Cholera Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

What is the cholera vaccine?

The vaccine is given to help protect you from bacteria that cause cholera. Cholera is an infection that can cause severe watery diarrhea and vomiting. The cholera vaccine is given as a liquid to swallow. Outside the United States, the vaccine is available for adults or children. This vaccine may be given in 2 or 3 doses. In the United States, the vaccine is only given to adults aged 18 to 64. This vaccine is given as a single dose. Protection from the vaccine will decrease over time. Booster doses will be needed if you continue to be at risk for cholera.

Why may I need the cholera vaccine?

The vaccine is not given routinely. It is only given to people who are at high risk for infection. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you need the vaccine and when to get it. If you also need the typhoid vaccine, it needs to be separated from the cholera vaccine by at least 8 hours. The following are possible reasons you may need the vaccine:

You live in or often travel to a country where cholera is common or has a current outbreak. Plan to get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel.
You are an emergency or relief worker in a country where cholera is common or has a current outbreak.
You were or will be directly exposed to anyone who has cholera.
You will or have consumed food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I get the cholera vaccine?

You have any severe allergies.
You have or are around someone who has a weakened immune system.
You got the cholera vaccine and found out you are pregnant shortly after you got the vaccine.
You plan to take the malaria medicine chloroquine within the next 10 days.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your provider will tell you when to get the vaccine.

What are reasons I should not get the vaccine?

You had a severe allergic reaction to a past dose of the cholera vaccine, or to any of its ingredients.
You have taken an antibiotic within the past 14 days.
You have taken the malaria medicine chloroquine within the past 10 days.

What are reasons I should wait to get the cholera vaccine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a fever or illness on the vaccine appointment day. Your provider may wait to give you the vaccine until the fever or illness is gone.

What are the risks of the cholera vaccine?

You may still get cholera, even after you receive the vaccine. You may develop a headache, abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea. You may also feel more tired than usual or lose your appetite. These are usually mild and should go away quickly. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Rarely, this may become severe or life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

Your mouth and throat are swollen.
You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
You have chest pain or your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
You feel like you are going to faint.

When should I seek immediate care?

Your face is red or swollen.
You have hives that spread over your body.
You feel weak or dizzy.

When should I call my doctor?

You have abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea.
You lose your appetite.
You have a headache or feel more tired than usual.
You have questions or concerns about the cholera vaccine.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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