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Cholera

£75 (two doses)

About Cholera

Cholera is a disease, characterised by profuse, watery diarrhoea, caused by certain toxin-producing forms of the bacteria called Vibrio cholera. Cholera is transmitted by ingesting (eating and drinking) contaminated water or food. It is common in many low-income countries and is largely linked to poverty, bad sanitation and poor access to clean drinking water. The risk of cholera for most travellers is extremely low. Activities that may increase risk include drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked food (particularly seafood) in areas where outbreaks are occurring. Travellers living in unsanitary conditions, including humanitarian workers in disaster/refugee areas, are at a higher risk. Cholera can be mild or occur without symptoms in healthy individuals. Symptoms include sudden, profuse, watery diarrhoea with associated nausea and vomiting. If untreated, cholera can rapidly lead to serious dehydration and shock; fifty percent of those with serious complications, die. With quick and effective treatment, risk of dying is less than one percent.

What Vaccines Are Available?

In the United Kingdom, an oral (drinkable), inactivated cholera vaccine called Dukoral® is available. It provides protection against Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1.

This vaccine is not required for most travellers, but may be recommended for individuals who are at increased risk, including:

  • Aid workers
  • Travellers visiting areas experiencing cholera outbreaks with limited access to clean water and medical care
  • Individuals whose travel plans or medical history place them at a higher potential risk, even if they do not fall into the above categories

Vaxchora®, a live oral cholera vaccine for the prevention of cholera in adults and children aged 2 years and over, received UK marketing authorisation in 2020. The UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is currently reviewing its use, and official recommendations will be published in due course.

Vaccine Schedules

Adults and Children Aged Over 6 Years (Two Doses)

  • Dose 1: Day 0
  • Dose 2: At least 7 days after Dose 1 and within 6 weeks

Protection Duration: Up to 2 years from the date of vaccination

Children Aged 2 to 6 Years (Three Doses)

  • Dose 1: Day 0
  • Dose 2: At least 7 days after Dose 1 and within 6 weeks
  • Dose 3: At least 7 days after Dose 2 and within 6 weeks

Protection Duration: Up to 6 months from the date of vaccination

When Should I Book My Vaccine?

The cholera vaccine can be administered up to the day before travel. However, booking in advance is recommended to ensure adequate protection and availability.

Prevention Advice

Travellers can significantly reduce the risk of cholera by:

  • Maintaining good personal hygiene
  • Following guidance on safe food and water consumption
  • Adhering to general advice on preventing food- and water-borne illnesses while abroad

Antimalarial Medication

Antimalarials (Maloff Protect) are available:

  • Adults: Over the counter following a consultation (£2 per tablet)
  • Children: Please enquire for advice and availability

Booking Multiple Vaccines

If you require more than one vaccine, please:

  • Book an appointment for a single vaccine
  • Leave a note in your booking detailing the additional vaccines required

We will reserve the vaccines for you and contact you if there are any issues.

Additional Information

  • A 5% discount is available for cash payments
  • Please ensure you complete the health questionnaire included as a link in your appointment confirmation email. This allows us to carry out a risk assessment in advance and review your travel requirements, helping ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient appointment.

Note

Any cancellation, rescheduling, or missed appointment within 48 hours of the scheduled time will result in the loss of the £30 deposit. If you wish to reschedule, a new £30 deposit will be required to secure your new appointment.

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