What should you know about the vaccine for cholera?

Cholera is an infection that can cause sudden watery diarrhoea and dangerous fluid loss. Vaccination is considered according to travel plans, local health advice, age and medical circumstances. Protection is not complete, so drink treated water, choose thoroughly cooked food and wash hands carefully. A vaccine does not treat cholera after symptoms begin.

Discuss the vaccine with a clinician before travel or work in an area where cholera is a concern. Share your age, pregnancy status, allergies, long-term conditions and medicines. Follow the product schedule given to you and keep the record available. If diarrhoea develops, start oral rehydration promptly with advice from a healthcare professional; severe dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy.

Seek urgent medical help for frequent watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, marked thirst, dizziness, confusion or unusual sleepiness. These can signal serious dehydration. Do not wait for vaccination to take effect, and do not rely on an antidiarrhoeal medicine instead of rehydration. Read more about Diarrhoea and Oral Rehydration Therapy.

Ask whether your destination or work exposure makes vaccination appropriate, which schedule applies, what protection it can provide, and what to do if diarrhoea occurs despite vaccination.