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Cholera Vaccine

What Is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial infection found in food or water sources contaminated with feces (poop). Over 600 million people throughout the globe are at risk of contracting cholera. Between 3 and 5 million cases are reported each year accounting for over 100,000 deaths. Cholera cases are often under reported.

Symptoms of cholera usually appear after two to three days and include:

The only cholera vaccine available in the U.S.

• Profuse, watery diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Leg cramps
• Rapid fluid loss
• Dehydration
• Shock

Symptoms are often mild; some cases will not even show symptoms. But, even mild cholera symptoms can ruin a trip with vomiting or diarrhea. A person with cholera can pass up to a liter of diarrhea per hour.

Up to 20 percent of cholera patients will develop severe symptoms. Without treatment, the infection can kill within hours.

What Is the Cholera Vaccine?

This is a vaccine against some of the bacteria that causes cholera (vibrio cholerae serogroup O1). It is the best line of defense against cholera infection, providing significant protection against cholera.

The vaccine is recommended for adult travelers 18 to 64 years old going to cholera affected regions.

How Does the Cholera Vaccine Work?

The vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine. This means the cholera strains within the vaccine produce an incomplete, nontoxic version of the toxin. The body responds to this safe version of cholera and creates an immunity to the infection.

How Is the Cholera Vaccine Given?

The vaccine is a single-dose oral cholera vaccine. This means it is just one dose taken by mouth, versus multiple doses in similar products. It should be administered at least 10 days before potential cholera exposure, essentially 10 days prior to a trip.

The vaccine is in a powdered form, which is reconstituted in water. Clients should consume the vaccine in-office with the guidance and instruction of a healthcare professional.

If you are receiving the cholera vaccine, do not eat or drink for at least 60 minutes before and after your appointment.

Do I Need A Cholera Vaccine?

You may need a cholera vaccine, depending on where you are traveling and what you may be doing. Cholera generally spreads through contaminated food or water. Contamination is usually caused by faulty sewage systems or contact with infected water.

Travelers to the Caribbean, Africa and/or Southeast Asia should consider receiving the cholera vaccine.

For more information on affected countries, see our Which Countries Have Cholera? section below.

Where Can I Get a Cholera Vaccine?

The vaccine is available at Passport Health locations throughout the United States. For more information or to schedule, please call 1-888-986-8868 or complete the contact us form.

Who Is Most At Risk for Cholera?

Travelers visiting any part of the world where cholera is present have some risk of infection. However, some groups are at greater risk than others:

• Travelers Visiting Rural Areas – If you are visiting an area with limited access to clean water or medical facilities, cholera could quickly become a very serious concern.
• Travelers Visiting Family and Friends – Sometimes its hard to follow safe food and water precautions while visiting family. More than 60 percent of travel-related cholera cases are from this group.
• Aid/Healthcare Workers – Individuals who may come in contact with bodily fluid or contaminated water are at an increased risk. Ensuring your own health is often key to helping others.
• Health Factors – Some individuals are more likely to contract a severe case cholera. These include individuals: with chronic medical conditions, with achlorhydria (a digestive issue), taking proton pump inhibitors (anti-reflux drugs) and type O blood.

Which Countries Have Cholera?

Cholera is most common in regions without adequate treatment of sewage or drinking water. The following countries reported recent or ongoing cholera outbreaks:

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