Cholera Vaccine

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by infection with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It is usually found in parts of the world with poor water¹.

You can get cholera from drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated with the bacteria. It’s also spread by coming into contact with the faeces of someone that’s infected and passing the bacteria into the mouth.

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

Some people may not know they’re infected with cholera, whereas others will experience mild or severe symptoms.

Symptoms can appear two to three days after infection, and can range from a few hours to five days.

Some of the symptoms of cholera include¹:

• Vomiting and nausea

• Feeling very tired

• Extremely watery and painless diarrhoea

• Weakness

• Dry mouth and being thirsty

• Abdominal cramps

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

Cholera is spread by drinking water or eating food that’s been contaminated with the bacteria¹. It can also be spread by coming into contact with infected faeces and then passing the bacteria into the mouth.

Cholera is not likely spread from person to person, so casual contact with an infected person isn’t a risk factor for cholera.

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

You can be diagnosed with cholera after visiting your doctor. Your doctor will take a stool culture test, where a sample of your faeces is examined in a laboratory to look for cholera bacteria¹.

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

Cholera is found in more than 50 countries, which include¹:

• Africa

• Haiti

• South Asia

• Southeast Asia

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

Cholera is an easily treatable disease, although it can be life-threatening. It can be treated by immediate rehydration, which is the replacement of the fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea¹.

¹South Australia Health, Cholera - including symptoms, treatment and prevention, accessed 9 February 2023

You can prevent getting cholera by consuming safe food and water. This means avoiding¹:

• Reheated or cold fruits, salads and vegetables

• Contaminated water

• Unpasteurised milk, yoghurt and cheese

• Raw or undercooked meat and seafoods

Most travellers do not need to be vaccinated for cholera, but it is recommended for children aged two years and older if they are travelling to a high-risk country.

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

The cholera vaccine is an oral vaccine that’s recommended for children and adults to stop them from getting cholera. It is taken as an oral vaccine.

However, the risk of catching cholera is very low while travelling¹.

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

Some common side effects of the vaccine include¹:

• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection side

• Stomach pain

• Discomfort

• Diarrhoea

However, these side effects are usually temporary. If they persist, please reach out to your doctor.

¹Healthdirect, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the cholera vaccine for the following people¹:

• Children aged two to six years who need three doses of cholera vaccine with an interval of one to six weeks between each dose

• Adults and children aged six years or older who need two doses of the cholera vaccine with an interval of one to six weeks between each dose

¹Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023

The cholera vaccine is not currently a part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP), which means it is not free¹.

There is a fee associated with this vaccine when you visit your local Blooms The Chemist.

¹Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Cholera, accessed 9 February 2023