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Cholera
Cholera is a disease, characterised by profuse, watery diarrhoea, caused by certain toxin-producing forms of the bacteria called Vibrio cholera. Cholera is transmitted by ingesting (eating and drinking) contaminated water or food. It is common in many low-income countries and is largely linked to poverty, bad sanitation and poor access to clean drinking water.
The risk of cholera for most travellers is extremely low. Activities that may increase risk include drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked food (particularly seafood) in areas where outbreaks are occurring. Travellers living in unsanitary conditions, including humanitarian workers in disaster/refugee areas, are at a higher risk.
Cholera can be mild or occur without symptoms in healthy individuals. Symptoms include sudden, profuse, watery diarrhoea with associated nausea and vomiting. If untreated, cholera can rapidly lead to serious dehydration and shock; fifty percent of those with serious complications, die. With quick and effective treatment, risk of dying is less than one percent.
What Vaccines are available?
In the United Kingdom (UK), an oral (drink), inactivated cholera vaccine called Dukoral® is available and protects against V. cholera serogroup O1. This vaccine is not needed by most travellers; it is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, including:
aid workers
those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care.
those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial. (i.e. for those who do not fit into the above groups, but are still considered at higher risk).
Vaxchora (a live, oral cholera vaccine for prevention of cholera disease in adults and children aged 2 years and older) was granted UK marketing authorisation (licensed) in 2020. The UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are in the process of reviewing the product information. Recommendations on the use of this vaccine will be published in due course.
Vaccine Schedules
Adults and children above 6 years (two doses)
Dose 1: Day 0
Dose 2: After day 7 but less than 6 weeks
Protection duration: 2 years from the date of vaccination
Children aged between 2 and 6 years (three doses)
Dose 1: Day 0
Dose 2: After day 7 but less than 6 weeks
Dose 3: After day 7 but less than 6 weeks
Protection duration: 6 months from the date of vaccination
How far in advance do I need to book my vaccine for my trip?
You can have the vaccine last up to the day before traveling.
Prevention
Travelers can reduce their risk of being ill from cholera by ensuring good personal hygiene and following advice on preventing food and water spread diseases.
Need other vaccines?
Please click on the links below for travel vaccination requirements/ advice.
For vaccine recommendations and information on conditions based on destinations:https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home
For vaccine lifespan:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/jabs/
Antimalarials (Maloff Protect): For adults you can buy these over the counter after the consultation at £2 per tablet. For children please enquire.
Need to book more than one vaccine?
Please make a booking for a single vaccine and leave a note with the booking for the other vaccines you require. We will then call you to make other bookings.
Note: We offer a 5% discount for cash payments.
Please make sure you fill in the form in the appointment confirmation which you will recieve (as a link). This will allow us to do a risk assessement before your arrive and check all your travel requirements for a swift & safe appointment.
*Note*
Any Cancellation within 48 hours prior to appointment will incur a charge of 20% of total service cost.