At Travelvax, we understand the significant role that vaccinations play in ensuring safe and healthy travel experiences and the cholera vaccination is no different. The primary benefit of cholera vaccination is its effectiveness in preventing cholera infection, which can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea and dehydration, leading to potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
It’s primarily spread through contaminated food and water, making it a common concern for travellers visiting regions with poor sanitation and personal hygiene standards. This is why Travalvax offers cholera travel vaccination services to help protect yourself from this severe disease.
What is the Oral Cholera Vaccine?
The oral cholera vaccine is designed to protect against cholera bacteria, specifically, the bacterium Vibrio cholerae when taken orally.
The oral cholera vaccine is designed to prevent cholera infection, especially for those travelling to areas with frequent outbreaks or unsafe water and food. It offers a vital shield against this severe diarrheal illness.
People facing complicated diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV, or other conditions that compromise their immune system, as well as significant cardiovascular disease, are also urged to take the cholera vaccination.
The Symptoms of Cholera Infection
The symptoms of cholera bacteria infection include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Cholera infection is primarily spread through contaminated food and water, making travellers to areas with poor sanitation and hygiene standards particularly vulnerable.
Cholera Vaccine: How Long Before Travel Should You Get The Vaccine?
The timing of when to get the cholera vaccine before travel depends on the type of vaccine being used.
At Travelvax, our oral cholera vaccines are recommended for children from aged 2 and adult travellers who have an elevated chance of acquiring diarrhoeal disease, including individuals with low stomach acid levels, who are touring to regions with a heightened risk where cholera exists, and humanitarian personnel working in areas affected by epidemics or refugee settlements.
For most travellers, this oral vaccine may be recommended, especially for long-term travellers and those visiting countries experiencing floods or other natural disasters, to protect against severe disease caused by cholera infection.
Benefits of Oral Vaccine
The oral cholera vaccine offers several benefits, making it invaluable for individual travellers and public health initiatives.
It stimulates an immune response in the gut, providing effective protection against cholera infection caused by the cholera bacterium for most travellers.
This contributes significantly to public health efforts in preventing outbreaks, especially in areas where the disease is more prevalent. While some travellers may choose to get vaccinated at a travel clinic, the oral cholera vaccine's ease of use allows for broader protection efforts.
How to Get the Cholera Vaccine?
The cholera vaccine is an oral formulation that stimulates the immunological defence in the gut. No safe food or drink should be consumed for 1 hour before and 1 hour after the cholera vaccination administration.
The oral inactivated cholera vaccine comes in a package containing a liquid vaccine vial and a buffer sachet. The vaccine dosage and preparation vary between children aged 2-6 years and adults or children over 6 years old.
Cholera Vaccination Schedule
Dukoral and Vaxchora are the two cholera vaccines available.
Children aged 2-6 years should receive three doses of the cholera vaccine with intervals of 1-6 weeks between each dose, while adults and children aged 6 years and older should receive two doses with the same interval.
It's important to restart the vaccination course if the time interval between doses exceeds 6 weeks.
Book Cholera Travel Vaccinations with Travelvax
Travel with confidence by getting your cholera vaccination through Travelvax today. Don't let preventable diseases disrupt your journey—take proactive steps to protect yourself and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Contact us now to schedule your vaccination and embark on your adventures worry-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries require a cholera vaccine?
The World Health Organisation abolished the right of countries to require a certificate of vaccination against cholera. However, cholera vaccination requirements vary in countries, with some nations mandating the vaccine for travellers visiting areas with a known risk of cholera transmission, particularly regions with poor sanitation and hygiene standards.
Is there a vaccine available for cholera?
Yes, there are vaccines available for cholera, including oral cholera vaccines that provide protection against the disease.
Can I receive the cholera vaccine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women can receive the inactivated cholera vaccine, although there is limited evidence regarding its safety and effectiveness. However, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women to receive the live attenuated cholera vaccine.