About cholera
Cholera is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The typical symptoms include intense diarrhoea and vomiting, which quickly lead to dehydration. This can result in electrolyte imbalances, acute kidney failure – and even death. The infection is usually transmitted by contaminated food and water. Consequently, vaccination against cholera is recommended before travelling to areas with an increased risk of infection such as Africa, Asia, and Central America. Important: getting vaccinated isn’t enough on its own. It iinst tlys essential to strictly follow hygiene rules and ensure that food comes from reliable sources.
Who should be vaccinated
Vaccination against cholera is recommended for:
- people who travel to territories where the disease is endemic, e.g. Africa, Asia, Central America, or plan to spend a longer period of time there;
- people who are at risk because of the nature of their work, e.g. laboratory staff;
- medical staff and other emergency services delegated to areas where cholera is endemic.
Who is the vaccine for
The purpose of the vaccination against cholera is to produce a strong immune response in adults and children over 2 years of age.
The inactivated cholera vaccine appears to be effective against E. coli strains, likely due to cross-reactivity with cholera toxin, given their structural and immunological similarities.
Vaccination procedure
The vaccine is administered orally, and the number of doses (as well as the interval between them) depends on the age of the person receiving it.
Inactivated vaccine
- Adults and children from the age of 6 are administered 2 doses at intervals of at least one week;
- Children aged 2 to 6 years are administered 3 doses at intervals of at least one week.
It is important to complete the full course of vaccination at least one week before any potential exposure.
How long does the vaccine provide protection?
In adults and children over the age of 6, the immune response typically lasts for about 2 years. To maintain protection in this age group, a single booster dose is recommended within 2 years of completing the primary vaccination series. For children between the ages of 2 and 6, a booster dose is given 6 months after the final primary dose. While clinical data on the effectiveness of booster doses is limited, immunological studies support administering a single booster 2 years after the last vaccination.
The primary vaccination series should be repeated if more than 2 years have passed since the last dose.
What does the vaccine contain?
The vaccine contains inactivated Vibrio cholerae bacterial strains.
The vaccination may cause side effects.
The most commonly reported side effects are:
- gastrointestinal disorders (stomach aches and spasms, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting);
- headaches;
- feeling unwell;
- fever.
Contraindications to vaccination include:
- hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine;
- severe gastrointestinal disorders – vaccination should be postponed in such cases;
- severe illness accompanied by fever – vaccination should be postponed in such cases.
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Make sure you book your vaccination appointment within 3 months of the date shown on your order confirmation. |
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IMPORTANT! Vaccination requires qualification with a travel medicine doctor, during which there may be contraindications to the vaccination or the doctor will suggest a different preparation.
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