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Cholera Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

What is the cholera vaccine?

The vaccine is given to help protect you from bacteria that cause cholera. Cholera is an infection that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. The cholera vaccine is given as a liquid to swallow. Outside the United States, the vaccine may be given in 2 or 3 doses. In the United States, the vaccine is given as a single dose. This vaccine may be given to people ages 2 to 64.

Why may I need the cholera vaccine?

The vaccine is not given routinely. It is only given to people who are at high risk for infection. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you need the vaccine and when to get it. If you also need the typhoid vaccine, it needs to be separated from the cholera vaccine by at least 8 hours. The following are possible reasons you may need the vaccine:

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I get the cholera vaccine?

What are reasons I should not get the vaccine?

Do not get the cholera vaccine if you had a severe allergic reaction to a past dose, or to any of its ingredients.

What are reasons I should wait to get the cholera vaccine?

Your provider may wait to give you the vaccine for any of the following reasons:

What are the risks of the cholera vaccine?

You may still get cholera, even after you receive the vaccine. You may develop a headache, abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea. You may also feel more tired than usual or lose your appetite. These are usually mild and should go away quickly. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Rarely, this may become severe or life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call my doctor?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.