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Overview: Cholera vaccine is used to prevent cholera, a disease that spreads through contaminated food or water and is common in certain countries. It works by triggering the body’s immune system to make antibodies to protect against cholera. Common side effects include tiredness, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Cholera vaccine is available as a liquid that is swallowed.

Uses

What is cholera vaccine used for?

Cholera vaccine is commonly used to prevent cholera. Cholera is a disease that spreads through food or water contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. Cholera causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, and if it is not treated the right away, it can cause dehydration and death. People traveling to certain countries where cholera is common are at risk. 

How does cholera vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

Cholera vaccine is a live vaccine. This means the vaccine contains a weakened form of the bacteria that causes cholera. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against Vibrio cholerae bacteria. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help prevent you from getting sick. 

How should I store cholera vaccine?

Cholera vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cholera vaccine?

The most common side effects of cholera vaccine are listed below. Most side effects occur within seven days of receiving the vaccine. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite

There may be other side effects of cholera vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cholera vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cholera vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cholera vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cholera vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use cholera vaccine.

  • Cholera vaccine
  • CVD 103-HgR
  • Vaxchora
  • Any other cholera vaccine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product to be received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cholera vaccine products they stock.

What should I know about cholera vaccine before using it?

Cholera vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. The vaccine is a liquid that is taken by mouth as one dose. Booster doses are not needed.

Avoid eating or drinking for 60 minutes before and after taking cholera vaccine.

Not all travelers will need cholera vaccine. If you are traveling to a country where cholera is common, ask your health care provider if you need the vaccine. You should get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip.

Because cholera vaccine is a live vaccine, it may be shed in your stool (poop) for at least seven days. This vaccine strain can spread to other people in your household if they are not vaccinated. Tell your health care provider if anyone in your household has a weak immune system. For at least 14 days after your cholera vaccine, you should wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before you prepare or handle food.

Cholera vaccine can help prevent cholera, but it is not 100% effective. It also does not protect against other diseases caused by contaminated food or water. Getting the vaccine does not replace taking precautions. Even if you get the vaccine, take precautions, including drinking only safe water, washing hands frequently, using proper sanitation, and thoroughly cooking food. If eating raw fruits or vegetables, peel them first.

What should I tell my health care provider before using cholera vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cholera vaccine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • A history of any type of reaction after any vaccine
  • Any severe allergies
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Anyone in your house with a weak immune system 
  • Fever or recent illness

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cholera vaccine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cholera vaccine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Cholera vaccine is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take cholera vaccine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. The vaccine strain may be shed in your poop for at least seven days, and there is a chance you may pass the vaccine strain to your baby during a vaginal delivery.

Breastfeeding. Cholera vaccine is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does cholera vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cholera vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cholera vaccine. 

Does cholera vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cholera vaccine.

  • Oral typhoid vaccine (Vivotif)
  • Any recent or planned vaccine
  • An antibiotic, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections, within the past 14 days
  • A medicine to treat or prevent malaria
  • Any medicines or treatments that suppress your immune system such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cholera vaccine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cholera vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much cholera vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cholera vaccine?

Cholera vaccine is given as one dose. If you are scheduled to get cholera vaccine and miss your appointment, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. You should get your vaccine at least 10 days before traveling to an area where cholera is common.