Cholera vaccine

What is Cholera?

Cholera is an acute illness, which is spread through contaminated food or water. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting and if not treated properly, it can lead to severe dehydration and even death. Cholera is usually seen during the aftermath natural calamities or when there is a congregation of large numbers of persons for religious festivals and other functions.

Which are the vaccines against Cholera, who should receive it and what is the schedule?

· Only one anti-cholera vaccine is marketed in India. It is made from killed cholera germs.

· It is administered orally, for children > 1 year of age, in a 2-dose schedule administered 2 weeks apart.

· It is given to residents of highly endemic areas and in areas where there is risk of an outbreak such as during pilgrimages like Kumbh Mela, etc.

· Where there is continued risk of V. cholerae infection, revaccination is recommended after 3 year

Is it a safe vaccine?

This is a very safe vaccine with practically no reported side effects.

Who should not receive this vaccine?

Children who had serious allergic reactions to a previous dose of the vaccine or known severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine, should not receive this vaccine.