About the Cholera Vaccine
When Should You Get the Cholera Vaccine
We recommend completing the cholera vaccination course at least 1–2 weeks before travel to areas where cholera is present. This allows your body enough time to develop effective protection before potential exposure.
If you are travelling at short notice, our clinicians can assess whether vaccination is still appropriate based on your itinerary and risk level.
Vaccine Schedule
The cholera vaccine used in the UK is an oral vaccine, taken by mouth rather than injection.
-Adults and children over 6 years: 2 doses
-Children aged 2–6 years: 3 doses
Doses are taken 1–6 weeks apart, depending on age and travel plans.
Booster Requirements
Booster doses may be recommended if:
-You continue to travel to high-risk areas
-More than 2 years have passed since vaccination (or 6 months for children aged 2–6)
-Ongoing exposure to unsafe food or water is expected
Our healthcare team will advise on boosters based on your travel history and future plans.
How the Cholera Vaccine Is Given
The cholera vaccine is taken orally as a drink, not as an injection. It must be mixed with water and consumed under clinical guidance.
Our trained healthcare professionals will provide clear instructions to ensure the vaccine is taken correctly for maximum effectiveness.
How Long Does the Cholera Vaccine Last
-Adults and children over 6 years: protection lasts up to 2 years
-Children aged 2–6 years: protection lasts up to 6 months
A booster is required to maintain protection beyond these timeframes.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate the cholera vaccine well. When side effects occur, they are usually mild and short-lived.
Possible side effects include:
-Mild stomach discomfort
-Nausea or diarrhoea
-Headache or fatigue
Serious side effects are extremely rare. Our clinicians will discuss potential risks during your consultation.
Who Should Not Have the Cholera Vaccine
The cholera vaccine may not be suitable for everyone. It may need to be postponed or avoided if you:
-Have a severe allergy to any vaccine ingredient
-Are currently unwell with a fever or gastrointestinal illness
Your suitability will be carefully assessed during your appointment to ensure the vaccine is safe and appropriate for you.
Risk If You Contract Cholera
Cholera is a serious bacterial infection that can cause rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In severe cases, symptoms can worsen quickly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
It is spread through contaminated food or water. Vaccination, alongside careful food and water hygiene, helps reduce the risk of severe illness when travelling to high-risk regions.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cholera Vaccine
Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, usually spread through contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
Cholera is mainly transmitted by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food, including undercooked seafood; person-to-person spread is rare but possible where hygiene is poor.
Most infections are mild or symptom-free, but severe cases can cause sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle cramps, and low blood pressure.
The incubation period is typically 2–5 days, though symptoms can sometimes develop within hours of exposure.
Without treatment, severe cholera can lead to rapid dehydration, kidney failure, shock, and can be fatal; with prompt treatment, recovery rates are very high.
Cholera is treated with oral rehydration fluids, and in severe cases intravenous fluids and antibiotics may be required.
The cholera vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting high-risk areas, especially those with limited access to clean water or medical care.
The cholera vaccine used in the UK is an oral, inactivated vaccine taken by mouth rather than injection.
Yes, the cholera vaccine is suitable for children aged 2 years and over who are travelling to high-risk areas.
Yes, the cholera vaccine can usually be given alongside other travel vaccines, following clinical assessment.
The vaccine provides around 85% protection against cholera and also offers short-term protection against certain types of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Protection lasts up to 2 years for adults and children over 6, and 6 months for children aged 2–6.
A booster is recommended if ongoing or repeat exposure is expected after protection has expired.
Side effects are usually mild and may include stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, or fatigue.
The vaccine may not be suitable for people with severe allergies to its components or those who are acutely unwell; suitability is assessed during consultation.
Cholera vaccination is not routinely available on the NHS for travel and is usually obtained through private travel clinics.
The vaccine helps protect against cholera, a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae. Vaccination provides additional protection and does not replace the need for strict food and water hygiene measures.
Some studies suggest the cholera vaccine may offer partial, short-term protection against certain strains of E. coli associated with travellers’ diarrhoea. However, this is not a licensed indication in the UK, and the vaccine is not prescribed to prevent E. coli infection. Any such effect is considered incidental.
No. In the UK, the cholera vaccine is recommended only for cholera risk. Food, water, and hygiene precautions remain the primary and most effective prevention measures for travellers’ diarrhoea.
We carry out a full individual risk assessment, taking into account your destination and current epidemiology, length and type of travel, accommodation and access to sanitation, and individual health factors. Vaccination is offered only when there is a clear clinical benefit.
Yes. The cholera vaccine has a good safety profile and has been used internationally for many years. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived.
Reducing your risk relies on strict food and water hygiene, regular handwashing, and avoiding unsafe water sources. These precautions are essential whether you are vaccinated or not.
The cholera vaccine (Dukoral) costs £47.50 per dose. Adults require two doses, while children aged 2–6 years require three doses.
Cholera vaccinations are available at London Vaccination Clinic, with appointments provided by experienced healthcare professionals.
