Cholera

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated food and water, often in areas where sanitation is poor or access to clean water is limited.

Symptoms usually include:

• Severe, watery diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Rapid dehydration

• Muscle cramps and fatigue

Without treatment, cholera can be dangerous — but it’s entirely preventable with the right precautions and vaccination.

Why the Cholera Vaccine Matters for Travellers

Even careful travellers can accidentally consume contaminated water or ice, raw vegetables, or seafood. Cholera can spread quickly in areas affected by flooding, poor sanitation, or natural disasters.

Getting vaccinated helps protect against:

• Severe diarrhoea that could ruin your trip

• Risk of dehydration and hospitalisation abroad

• Potential exposure in rural or high-risk regions

The cholera vaccine also provides some protection against E. coli, which causes traveller’s diarrhoea — a common issue for visitors in developing regions.

Who Should Get the Cholera Vaccine?

Not everyone travelling abroad needs the cholera vaccine, but it’s strongly recommended if you’re visiting areas where outbreaks are known to occur, including:

• India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Nepal

• Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana

• Haiti and parts of the Caribbean

You should get vaccinated if you:

• Plan to visit rural or remote areas

• Are working in disaster relief or healthcare

• Have an extended stay in a high-risk country

• Have a medical condition that weakens immunity

Even if you’re staying in a city, short trips to rural regions or food markets can expose you to contaminated water or food.

Cholera Vaccine Details

• Vaccine Name: Dukoral (oral vaccine)

• Type: Drinkable liquid (not an injection)

• Doses: Two doses for adults, taken 1–6 weeks apart

• Cost: £45 per dose

• Protection Duration: Up to 2 years after the second dose

• Eligibility: Adults and children over 2 years old

The oral cholera vaccine is convenient and needle-free. You’ll drink it in clinic after mixing the vaccine with clean water, under supervision by a travel health nurse.

For adults, protection begins about a week after completing the second dose. Children between 2–6 years old need three doses for full protection.

When to Get the Cholera Vaccine

You should complete your full course at least one week before travel. If your departure date is sooner, Icon Travel Clinic can help create a fast-tracked schedule to ensure you’re protected in time.

Book early to allow flexibility for multiple doses and optimal protection.

Reserve your appointment online or call 02085007070 to arrange your visit.

How Long Does the Cholera Vaccine Last?

The cholera vaccine provides protection for up to two years. After that, a single booster dose is recommended if you continue to travel to risk areas.

For children aged 2–6, a booster is advised after six months.

Side Effects of the Cholera Vaccine

Most people experience no side effects. When they do occur, they’re mild and short-lived, including:

• Temporary stomach upset

• Mild nausea

• Fatigue or low-grade fever

You can safely return to normal activities immediately after your vaccination. The oral vaccine cannot cause cholera and is considered very safe for most travellers.

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions or a weakened immune system, discuss this with your travel health practitioner before vaccination.

Other Travel Health Precautions

The cholera vaccine is only part of your overall travel health protection. You can further reduce your risk by:

• Drinking bottled or purified water only

• Avoiding ice from unknown sources

• Washing hands frequently, especially before eating

• Eating food that’s freshly cooked and hot

• Avoiding raw salads or unpasteurized dairy

For destinations like Thailand, Cambodia, or Kenya, you may also need hepatitis A, typhoid, or tetanus boosters — your clinician can advise based on your itinerary.

Why Choose Icon Travel Clinic

At Icon Travel Clinic, we provide comprehensive, affordable travel vaccinations for all destinations, including Asia, Africa, and South America.

Here’s why travelers across the UK trust us:

• Expert guidance from experienced travel health professionals

• All vaccines in stock, including cholera and typhoid

• Same-day appointments available

• Transparent pricing — no hidden fees

• Easy booking online or by phone

Our goal is to keep you safe abroad so you can focus on the experience, not the risk.

Book your appointment online or call 02085007070 to arrange your Cholera vaccination today.