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Immunizations - travel vaccinations - Management
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Definition
- Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by an enterotoxin produced by Vibrio cholerae that have colonized the small bowel. It is a water-borne disease, being solely transmitted through contaminated water or food (especially shellfish).
When is cholera vaccine indicated?
- Consider vaccination against cholera for:
- Relief or disaster aid workers.
- People with remote itineraries in areas where cholera epidemics are occurring and there is limited access to medical care.
- For up to date, country by country, information see the 'Yellow Book', and NaTHNaC websites.
In depth
What types of cholera vaccines are available?
- Oral inactivated cholera vaccine (Dukoral®) is the only licensed cholera vaccine available in the UK.
In depth
What schedule is used for cholera vaccination?
- Complete course at least one week prior to departure:
- Give adults and children over 6 years old two doses (up to 6 weeks apart).
- Give children aged 2–6 years old three doses (up to 6 weeks apart).
- Restart the course if more than 6 weeks have elapsed between doses.
- Booster doses:
- Give adults and children over 6 years old a booster dose 2 years after completing the primary course.
- Give children aged 2–6 years old a booster dose 6 months after completing the primary course.
- Repeat the primary course if more than 2 years have elapsed since the last vaccination.
In depth
What are the adverse effects of cholera vaccine?
- Mild gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhoea, nausea) are the most commonly reported. Serious adverse events are rare.
In depth
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