Your Guide to the Cholera Vaccine for Travel
When you’re planning a trip abroad, protecting your health should be as important as packing your passport. If you’re heading to a country with poor sanitation or recent outbreaks, the cholera vaccine could be a key part of your travel health plan.
Cholera is a serious bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It spreads through contaminated water and food, particularly in areas with limited access to clean drinking water. While not every traveller will need the cholera vaccine, it can be essential for those visiting high-risk destinations or working in healthcare and humanitarian settings.
In this guide, we’ll explain what cholera is, who needs the vaccine, and how Cheltenham Travel Clinic can help you stay safe on your travels.
What Is Cholera?
Cholera is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. Once inside the body, it produces toxins that affect the intestines, leading to rapid fluid loss. Symptoms usually begin suddenly and may include:
- Watery diarrhoea (often described as “rice water” stools)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Severe dehydration
If untreated, cholera can be life-threatening — especially in children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. However, with prompt treatment using oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids, most people recover fully.
How Is Cholera Spread?
Cholera spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water. This often happens in regions where:
- Sewage and drinking water systems are poorly maintained
- Hygiene practices are limited
- Flooding or natural disasters have disrupted infrastructure
It’s not spread directly from person to person, but poor hand hygiene can increase the risk.
You can reduce your risk by:
- Drinking bottled or boiled water
- Avoiding ice cubes in drinks
- Eating freshly cooked food
- Washing your hands regularly
However, in some cases, even careful hygiene may not be enough — which is where the cholera vaccine comes in.
Who Should Get the Cholera Vaccine?
Not all travellers need the cholera vaccine. In fact, for many holidaymakers, basic food and water precautions are usually enough. But for certain groups, vaccination is recommended.
You may need the vaccine if:
- You’re travelling to areas with ongoing cholera outbreaks
- You’ll be staying for long periods in rural or high-risk areas
- You’re working in refugee camps, disaster zones or healthcare settings
- You have a condition that weakens your immune system
- You’re visiting parts of Africa, South Asia, or the Caribbean, where cholera is more common
If you’re unsure whether your destination poses a risk, our travel health team can assess your itinerary and advise you accordingly.
How Does the Cholera Vaccine Work?
The UK currently uses an oral vaccine called Dukoral. Unlike many other vaccines, this one is taken by mouth rather than injected.
Dukoral works by stimulating the body’s immune system to fight off the cholera bacteria before it can take hold. It also offers some protection against a related cause of traveller’s diarrhoea — enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC).
How to take it:
- The vaccine comes as a two-dose course, taken 1 to 6 weeks apart
- You must take the second dose at least one week before travel
- It’s suitable for adults and children over 2 years old
- Protection lasts around two years for adults (six months for children)
It’s important to follow the instructions carefully. You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking for an hour before and after each dose.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most people tolerate the cholera vaccine well. As it’s taken orally, it avoids the injection site reactions associated with many other travel vaccines.
Mild side effects may include:
- Temporary stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Headache
Serious side effects are rare. If you have allergies or a history of severe reactions to vaccines, be sure to mention this during your consultation.
Can the Cholera Vaccine Replace Food and Water Precautions?
No. The cholera vaccine offers valuable protection, but it’s not a substitute for safe food and water practices. Even vaccinated travellers should still:
- Drink only bottled, boiled or treated water
- Avoid raw or undercooked seafood
- Peel fruit themselves
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating
Think of the vaccine as an added layer of protection — not a licence to take risks.
Where Can I Get the Cholera Vaccine?
At Cheltenham Travel Clinic, we offer a full range of travel vaccinations — including cholera protection. When you book your consultation, we’ll:
- Review your travel plans and assess your risk
- Advise whether the cholera vaccine is recommended
- Provide both doses with clear instructions
- Offer personalised travel health advice
Our experienced team is here to help you stay healthy abroad, no matter where you’re headed.
Book Your Cholera Vaccine Appointment Today
Don’t let an avoidable illness ruin your trip. If you’re travelling to a high-risk area, the cholera vaccine can give you extra peace of mind — especially when paired with good hygiene and food safety habits.
Book your appointment at Cheltenham Travel Clinic today and get the expert protection you need before you fly.
