What to know about the cholera vaccine

Whether vaccination is suitable depends on the destination, local transmission, planned activities, age, health and the product available. A travel-health clinician can check these factors and plan vaccination before departure.

Cholera spreads through food or water contaminated with the bacteria. Oral cholera vaccines train the immune system to recognise the infection, but protection varies by product and circumstances and may lessen over time. Safe drinking water, thoroughly cooked food, clean hands and appropriate sanitation remain necessary after vaccination. The vaccine prevents disease; it does not treat diarrhoea that has already begun.

Tell the clinician your itinerary, departure date, accommodation, access to safe water, medical conditions, medicines, allergies, pregnancy status and previous vaccine reactions. Follow the chosen product's schedule and instructions about eating, drinking and other medicines around each dose. Pack oral rehydration solution and learn how to mix it with the specified amount of safe water. Continue choosing sealed or treated water and freshly cooked hot food.

Get medical advice promptly for sudden frequent watery diarrhoea, especially during or after travel in an affected area. Seek urgent care if there is very little urine, severe weakness, confusion, fainting, inability to drink, repeated vomiting or rapidly worsening thirst. These are warning signs of substantial fluid loss. Start appropriate oral rehydration while arranging help if the person is awake and able to swallow; severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids.

Confirm whether cholera vaccination is advised for the exact places and activities on your trip, which formulation is available, and when the course should begin. Ask about side effects that can be managed at home, reactions needing care, interactions with other oral vaccines or medicines, and whether a later booster may be relevant.