Cholera Vaccine

Who Should Get It:

The cholera vaccine is recommended for:

• Travelers to areas with active cholera outbreaks

• People living in regions with poor sanitation or limited clean water

• Emergency and relief workers in outbreak zones

• Adults and children aged 2 years and older, depending on the vaccine brand

Before the Vaccine:

• Let your provider know if you’re sick, have a fever, or have digestive issues.

• Inform them of any allergies or recent antibiotics (some may interfere with the oral vaccine).

• No special preparation is needed, but avoid eating or drinking for at least 1 hour before and after taking the oral vaccine.

After the Vaccine:

Most people have no side effects, but mild effects may include:

• Tiredness

• Mild stomach upset or nausea

• Headache

These typically resolve within a day or two.
Serious side effects are very rare.

Protection Timeline:

Full protection develops about 1–2 weeks after completing the dose.
The vaccine provides several months of protection, which may require booster doses if you're at ongoing risk.