Travel vaccine
Cholera
An oral vaccine that helps protect against cholera, a waterborne infection that can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
About cholera
Cholera is an infection of the gut caused by bacteria found in contaminated water and food. While many cases are mild, it can cause sudden, heavy watery diarrhoea that leads to rapid and dangerous dehydration. Outbreaks tend to follow disruption to clean water supplies, such as after flooding or in areas with overstretched sanitation. For most ordinary holidaymakers the risk is low, but it rises sharply for certain trips.
The vaccine
Unlike most travel vaccines, cholera protection is given by mouth as a drink rather than as an injection. Adults take two doses spaced between one and six weeks apart, finishing at least a week before travel. The vaccine is most relevant for people heading to outbreak zones or working in disaster relief, and it also offers some short-term protection against a common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea.
Practical travel advice
Scrupulous water and food hygiene remains your first line of defence: use safe drinking water, avoid raw or unpeeled foods in higher-risk areas, and wash your hands often. Whether cholera vaccination is worthwhile depends on where you are going and what you will be doing. Book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, and we will advise you. Call 01270 215837 or call into the pharmacy to arrange it.
How it spreads
Spread through water and food contaminated with the cholera bacteria, usually in areas affected by poor sanitation or natural disasters.
Who should be vaccinated
Aid and relief workers, travellers to areas with active outbreaks or limited clean water, and those visiting regions affected by flooding or conflict.
Vaccination schedule
Two oral doses one to six weeks apart for adults, taken by mouth rather than by injection
Boosters
A booster dose is advised after two years if you remain at risk.
Possible side effects
Mild tummy discomfort, nausea or a brief upset stomach in some people.
Regions where there is a risk
Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Parts of the Middle East, Areas affected by disasters or conflict.
Cholera — frequently asked questions
Who needs the cholera vaccine before travelling?
The cholera vaccine is mainly for aid and relief workers, travellers heading to areas with active outbreaks or limited clean water, and those visiting regions affected by flooding or conflict. For most ordinary holidaymakers the risk is low, but it rises sharply on certain trips. During a consultation we will look at your destination and activities to advise whether it is worthwhile for you.
How many doses of the cholera vaccine do I need and how is it given?
Adults need two doses of the cholera vaccine, taken one to six weeks apart. Unlike most travel vaccines, it is given by mouth as a drink rather than as an injection. You should finish the course at least a week before you travel so protection has time to develop. Children may need a different number of doses, which we can explain at your appointment.
How long does the cholera vaccine protect me for?
The cholera vaccine gives a couple of years of protection in adults, after which a booster dose is advised if you remain at risk. If you travel regularly to higher-risk areas, keeping your cover up to date is sensible. The vaccine also offers some shorter-term protection against a common bacterial cause of travellers' diarrhoea, which many travellers find reassuring.
How soon before travel should I take the cholera vaccine?
Start the cholera vaccine in good time, as the two oral doses are spaced one to six weeks apart and you should finish at least a week before you travel. That means allowing two to seven weeks before departure to complete the course comfortably. If your trip is approaching, contact us promptly so we can plan your doses. Call 01270 215837 or visit the pharmacy.
What are the side effects of the oral cholera vaccine?
Side effects of the oral cholera vaccine are usually mild. Some people notice a little tummy discomfort, nausea or a brief upset stomach after taking a dose, and these effects normally pass quickly. Because the vaccine is swallowed rather than injected, there is no sore arm. Our pharmacist will give you clear instructions on how to take each dose correctly.
Is the cholera vaccine free on the NHS or do I pay for it?
The cholera vaccine is a private travel vaccine at Crewe Pharmacy, so it is not provided free for travel on the NHS. You can arrange it directly with us as part of your travel preparations, without needing a GP referral. This makes it straightforward to get protected before a higher-risk trip. To book, call 01270 215837 or call into the pharmacy.
How much does the cholera vaccine cost in Crewe?
The cholera vaccine costs £35 at Crewe Pharmacy. The price covers your oral vaccine course along with a travel consultation, where our pharmacist will assess your destination and confirm whether cholera protection is right for your trip. We can also discuss any other vaccines you may need for the same journey. Call 01270 215837 to arrange your appointment.
Which destinations have a cholera risk that might mean I need the vaccine?
Cholera risk is highest in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, as well as any area recently affected by flooding, disasters or conflict that has disrupted clean water and sanitation. Travellers working in relief, staying in basic conditions or visiting active outbreak zones are most likely to benefit. Tell us where you are going and we will assess your personal risk.