Your local Vaccination Clinic for Cholera in the Cheltenham area

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Cholera Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness. It is caused by ingesting Vibrio Cholerae. It presents as a sudden onset of water diarrhoea. Introduction into the bowel occurs via ingestion of faecally contaminated water or shellfish or other foods. Cholera is common in poverty stricken countries where there is bad sanitation and poor access to drinking water

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Vaccination Pricing

Dukoral – £45 Per dose / £90 Per Course
Vaxchora – £85 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Cholera can be mild or occur without symptoms in healthy individuals.

Symptoms include:

Sudden onset of watery diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Shock in severe cases
Death occurs in 50% of those untreated with severe complications

James Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 522 880

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

19 St Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

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Wymans Brook Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 221 988

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Unit 1, Windyridge Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4RA

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If untreated, cholera can rapidly lead to serious dehydration and shock; fifty percent of those with serious complications, die. With quick and effective treatment, risk of dying is less than one percent.

The Vaccination – Dukoral Vaccine

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Time before travel	Boost required at
2-6	3	at least one week apart	Last dose up to day before*	6 months
6-85	2	at least one week apart	Last dose up to day before*	2 years

The Vaccination – Vaxchora Vaccine

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Time before travel	Boost required at
22-85	1	single dose	10 days before	–

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a serious bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, typically contracted through contaminated food or water. It spreads quickly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. Cholera can cause severe illness and, if left untreated, may lead to life-threatening dehydration. While it is rare in the UK, it remains a significant risk in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, particularly in areas experiencing conflict or natural disasters. Travellers to these regions may be at increased risk, especially if they are staying in rural areas or places with limited medical access.

How does it spread and how to prevent it

Cholera spreads primarily through the consumption of contaminated water or food, particularly in places where sanitation is inadequate. It is not usually transmitted person-to-person through casual contact. Major sources include untreated drinking water, raw or undercooked seafood, and food washed with contaminated water. Prevention focuses on safe water, good hygiene, and proper sanitation. Measures include drinking bottled or boiled water, eating freshly prepared hot food, and frequent handwashing, especially before eating and after using the toilet. The oral cholera vaccine (OCV) is also recommended for travellers to high-risk areas and for vulnerable populations in endemic regions or during outbreaks.

What are the symptoms of cholera?

Symptoms of cholera typically develop rapidly, often within hours to a few days after exposure. The most common and distinctive symptom is sudden, watery diarrhoea that can be severe and persistent, sometimes described as having a “rice water” appearance. Other symptoms include vomiting, muscle cramps, and signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and sunken eyes. Without prompt treatment, cholera can lead to severe dehydration and shock, which may be fatal.

How long does the vaccine last

There are a few types of oral cholera vaccines, including Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus. Protection generally begins about 1–2 weeks after the final dose. For Dukoral, protection lasts around two years for adults, and a booster is recommended if risk persists beyond that time. For Shanchol and Euvichol-Plus, which are more commonly used in endemic areas and mass vaccination campaigns, protection can last for up to five years after two doses. However, the exact duration can vary based on the individual’s age, vaccine type, and local risk conditions. Boosters may be needed for continued protection if visiting high-risk areas.

Countries I need the vaccine for

The cholera vaccine is recommended for travel to countries or regions with active outbreaks or where cholera is endemic, particularly in parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean. Specific high-risk destinations include Bangladesh, Haiti, Yemen, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UK and US health authorities recommend vaccination for individuals travelling to affected areas who may be exposed to contaminated water or food, including aid workers, healthcare professionals, and those staying in remote areas with limited access to clean water. It’s always best to check with a travel health clinic before travelling.

Vaccine side effects

The cholera vaccine is generally safe and side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Common side effects include headache, tiredness, abdominal pain, nausea, or mild diarrhoea. Some people may experience fever or vomiting. These reactions typically resolve within a day or two. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare. For oral vaccines like Dukoral, the vaccine is taken in a liquid form and can sometimes cause a slight unpleasant taste or temporary stomach upset. It’s important to follow vaccine instructions carefully, especially regarding timing of doses and accompanying food or drink restrictions.