In most severe cases, cholera can cause large, rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to death within hours. In other situations, infected individuals can die of dehydration and shock from hours to days after the symptoms first appear. Other complications may include:2

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Low potassium levels
• Kidney failure

The World Health Organisation defines cholera as a global threat to public health due to its prevalence in regions with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. Every year, 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera are reported worldwide, with 21,000 to 143,000 of them leading to death. 

Although cholera acquired in Australia is very rare, it remains a significant risk for travellers visiting regions where the disease is common, such as parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Humanitarian aid workers deployed to regions with endemic or outbreaks of cholera are also vulnerable to being exposed and are thus highly recommended to receive cholera vaccinations.

Cholera vaccination provides a critical layer of protection against this disease and prevents severe symptoms that can cause life-threatening complications. By getting the vaccination, individuals also minimise the risk of spreading the disease, protecting their loved ones and the wider community from potential outbreaks.

Cholera is transmitted when a person ingests contaminated food  or water with the V. cholerae bacteria.

There are only rare cases of cholera in Australia, with about two to six reported cases per year.3

The cholera vaccine is recommended for children of 2 years of age and above as well as adult travellers who:

• have a high risk of acquiring diarrhoeal disease, including those with achlorhydria
• are visiting at-risk areas
• are working at epidemic or refugee camps

In Australia, the cholera vaccine is available as an oral vaccine against serogroup O1. Depending on the vaccine provider, Dukoral or Vaxchora may be administered.

Possible side effects from the vaccine may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting
• Allergic reactions

If there’s a continuous risk of cholera, it is advised to receive a single booster dose six months after completing the initial course of vaccinations. If there’s a gap of over 6 months between the initial immunisation and the booster shot, the initial course of vaccinations should be repeated.

You can get the cholera vaccine at Coolangatta Medical Centre. Our travel health services include extensive vaccinations tailored to your travel plans.

Get your vaccinations at least a month before your travel. You may need several weeks to complete all the recommended doses, and your body needs time to build up immunity. Talk to your healthcare provider before your trip overseas to plan out your vaccination schedule.