Cholera Vaccine

Cholera Vaccine Brand Name– Vaxchora

What is Cholera Vaccine

Cholera vaccine is a live, weakened oral vaccine for the prevention of cholera caused by serogroup O1 in adults traveling to cholera-affected areas. A single dose is administered at least 10 days before travel.  

Cholera, a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, is acquired by ingesting contaminated water or food and causes watery diarrhea that ranges from mild to extremely severe.

Although the infection is often mild, severe cholera, characterized by profuse diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to dehydration. Without adequate fluid replacement and antibiotics, severe cholera can be life threatening.

Cholera is rare in the United States, however, travelers to parts of the world with inadequate water and sewage treatment and poor sanitation are at risk for infection. 

Vaccine efficacy for preventing moderate to severe diarrhea is approximately 90% and 80% for patients at 10 days and 3 months post-vaccination, respectively.

Cholera vaccine was FDA-approved in June 2016 and is the only vaccine available for the prevention of cholera.

Indications

• cholera prophylaxis

For cholera prophylaxis against disease caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroup 01 in adults traveling to cholera-affected areas

Side Effects

1. abdominal pain
2. anorexia
3. diarrhea
4. fatigue
5. fever
6. headache
7. nausea
8. vomiting

Monitoring Parameters

• laboratory monitoring not necessary

Contraindications

• breast-feeding
• chemotherapy
• corticosteroid therapy
• geriatric
• immunosuppression
• infants
• neonates
• parenteral administration
• pregnancy
• radiation therapy

Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with Cholera Vaccine products.