cholera vaccine

What is the most important information I should know about cholera vaccine?

For at least 2 weeks after you receive this vaccine, wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom or handling food.

What is cholera vaccine?

Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea. Cholera is caused by coming into contact with water or food contaminated by feces infected with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of live cholera bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Cholera vaccine is for use in people ages 2 through 64 years old.

Like any vaccine, the cholera vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cholera vaccine?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
• anyone in your household has a weak immune system.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of cholera vaccine on the baby.

Because the cholera vaccine is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing baby.

Cholera vaccine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old or older than 64 years old.

How is cholera vaccine given?

Cholera vaccine is usually given orally (by mouth) as a single dose. This vaccine is a powder that is mixed with water before you take it. You will receive this mixture in a clinic or other healthcare setting.

Follow your doctor's instructions about receiving a booster dose if needed.

The timing of this vaccination is very important for it to be effective. For best protection against cholera, this vaccine should be given at least 10 days before you travel to a cholera-affected area.

While traveling in a cholera-affected area, avoid drinking water or soft drinks that are not from sealed bottles or cans. Avoid ice cubes that were not made from bottled water. Use bottled water while brushing your teeth, and when preparing food or cleaning areas where food is prepared and served.

If bottled water is not available, follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about disinfecting water from a tap or other source.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cholera vaccine is given as a one time vaccine, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving cholera vaccine?

Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking this vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of cholera vaccine?

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• headache; or
• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

What other drugs will affect cholera vaccine?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you have used recently, especially:

• an antibiotic; or
• chloroquine.

Also tell the doctor if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroids (oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable);
• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive cholera vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with cholera vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.