Cholera Vaccination
Understanding the Cholera Vaccine: Importance in Travel
Are you planning a trip to a country where cholera is prevalent? Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the cholera vaccine at VSM Pharmacy’s travel clinic. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of the cholera vaccine, the countries where cholera is endemic, and why VSM Pharmacy is the best choice for your travel health needs.
Cholera Vaccination: Key Facts
- The cholera vaccine is given orally as a drink.
- The oral cholera vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) is called Dukoral.
- This vaccines require two doses, given at least one week apart, to provide full protection.
- The cholera vaccine is approved for use in individuals as young as 2 years old, making it crucial for protecting children travelling to cholera-endemic regions.
- The vaccine can provide protection for up to 2 years.
- In addition to vaccination, it is important to follow other cholera prevention measures, such as avoiding contaminated food and water, during travel to affected areas.
What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It can lead to severe dehydration and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Cholera is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water, making it a significant concern for travellers visiting areas with poor sanitation or limited access to clean water.
The Importance of the Cholera Vaccine
The cholera vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from this potentially deadly disease. By getting vaccinated, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting cholera while travelling to affected regions. The vaccine is particularly crucial for individuals who are at higher risk, such as those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
Can you vaccinate a child?
Yes, the cholera vaccine is approved for children as young as 2 years old. It’s essential to ensure that children travelling to cholera-endemic regions are vaccinated to protect them from this serious illness.
When do I need to get vaccinated?
To be fully protected, it’s recommended to start the cholera vaccine regimen at least 10 days before travelling to a cholera-endemic region. The vaccine requires two doses, given at least one week apart. It’s crucial to complete the full vaccine series to ensure optimal protection against cholera.
How long does immunity last?
The duration of protection provided by the cholera vaccine can vary. Studies have shown that the vaccine can provide homologous protective immunity as soon as 8 days after vaccination and protection can persist for at least 6 months[1]. However, it is unknown how long protection lasts beyond 3-6 months after vaccination[4]. Significant immune protection has been observed to last for at least 2 years after either a clinical cholera episode or effective oral cholera vaccine immunisation[5].
Countries Where Cholera is Endemic
Cholera is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation. Some of the countries where cholera is most prevalent include:
- Africa: Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
- Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Yemen.
- Latin America: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
For an up-to-date list of countries where cholera is currently present please visit Fit for Travel or Travel Health Pro.
Why Choose VSM Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic?
VSM Pharmacy’s travel clinic is staffed by experienced healthcare professionals who specialise in travel medicine. We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Cholera vaccine administration
- Personalised travel health consultations
- Advice on disease prevention and risk reduction
- Prescriptions for travel-related medications (if needed)
Our clinic is conveniently located in Camberley, Surrey, and offers flexible appointment times to accommodate your busy schedule. We are committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring that you have a safe and healthy travel experience.
Conclusion
Don’t let cholera ruin your travel plans. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the cholera vaccine at VSM Pharmacy’s travel clinic. Our experienced healthcare professionals are dedicated to helping you stay healthy while exploring the world. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey with peace of mind.
Citations:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1527420/
[2] https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pntd.0006257
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7102a1.htm
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/vaccines.html
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128119242000316
How does the travel clinic service work?
Begin your journey to a safer travel experience by filling out our simple online form. Schedule your visit at your convenience.
Your vaccinations' schedule will be established and administered with care by our clinicians. Depending on the vaccines you need, you may need to come back to finish the course.
That's it! You are ready to enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind.
Bon voyage!
Safe travel!
What do our customers say?
Frequently Asked Questions
Appointment FAQs
The appointment will typically last 30 minutes to ensure we have enough time to go through our questionnaire and to assess which vaccination you require.
Of course. If you need an appointment for multiple people, please book one slot in the calendar and let us know how many people will be attending when filling in the form.
The clinician will ask you questions to assess which vaccine is the best option based on your personal circumstances, your medical history, your destination and length of travel among other things.
This will depend on the type of vaccination you require and the clinical assessment.
Our address is 124 Frimley Road, Camberley, GU15 2QN.
Our pharmacy travel vaccinations’ service is easily accessible from Camberley, Blackwater, Sandhurst, Frimley, Deepcut, Cove, Hawley, Mytchett, Crowthorne, Surrey Heath, Farnborough, Finchampstead, Ash Vale, Fleet, Bisley, Windlesham, Aldershot, Brookwood, Hartley Wintney, Sunninghill, Pirbright, Bagshot, Bracknell and many other locations in Surrey.
Vaccinations FAQs
Our clinician will determine which vaccination you need during the consultation. For more information on vaccinations per country, visit NaTHNaC.
It depends on the vaccination required. This is something that will be discussed with the clinician during the appointment. More information on children vaccination is available on the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Each vaccine is different and the pros and cons will be explained to you during the appointment. In most cases, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. Any medication has the potential to cause side effects and vaccines are the same in that respect.
This is different from vaccine to vaccine and depends on a number of factor. For maximum immunity, completing the full course is recommended.
We have some paediatric vaccines for children under 16 years old.
Pricing FAQs
The price per dose is available above. Please note that some vaccines require multiple courses which are also listed in the price list above. We advertise the price per dose as some customers may have received an initial dose previously and may only require the booster or one dose to complete the course.
The consultation is free.
The Travel Vaccination Clinic is a private service and unfortunately is not covered by the NHS.