Cholera Travel Vaccination

At Kennedy’s Pharmacy, we offer a Travel Vaccination Service which provides protection from a wide range of diseases, including Cholera alongside malaria, hepatitis, rabies and yellow fever. We will be able to recommend what type of protection is best for you and it will be provided in either tablet form or as a vaccine.

We provide vaccine certificates for all administered vaccines including Yellow Fever. For more information and advice for specific countries and protection please contact us by phone.

Always leave sufficient time (6 - 8 weeks) before your travel plans to receive your vaccination. As always, your health and safety should be a top priority.

Making a Travel Vaccination Appointment

Booking for this service is currently made by telephoning either of our pharmacies in Rasharkin or Dunloy. 

At present Travel Vaccines are offered mainly in our Rasharkin pharmacy with our pharmacist, Martin McPeake who has completed specialist training in Travel Health.

Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)

You can also leave your details with the form at the bottom and Martin will be in touch to help or get started!

At your initial consultation, Martin will advise you on what you need to do in order to meet the requirements for safe travel to your particular destination, as well as General Travel Health Advice and self-care. It would also be helpful to have the following information for this appointment:

• Personal Details
• Country of destination plus travel itinerary
• Duration of travel
• Medication history
• Vaccination history

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a severe infection of the small intestine, causing acute diarrhoea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Prevention is focused on food and water precautions and practising good hand and personal hygiene, particularly in countries where cholera is more common or where outbreaks occur.

Cholera Vaccination Course Details

A vaccine is available to protect against cholera but as the risk to most travellers is very low, it is only recommended in the following circumstances:

• Volunteers/aid workers/medical personnel in disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks are likely.
• Those travelling to work in slums/refugee camps, areas affected by natural disasters, or countries experiencing cholera outbreaks and where care with food and water is difficult or not possible.

The cholera vaccination consists the following options:

Dukoral - Individuals from 6 years of age: 2 doses separated by an interval of 1 – 6 weeks

Vaxchora  - A single oral dose should be administered at least 10 days prior to potential exposure to V. cholerae O1

Cholera Vaccination: Important Information

Vaccine Timing: It is recommended to receive the Cholera vaccine at least two weeks before travel to help provide optimal protection and complete the course in time.

Booster: There are no boosters for Cholera.

Vaccine Administration: The Cholera vaccine is administered orally.

Duration of Protection: Cholera vaccination offers protection for 2 years.

Side Effects: Headache, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, stomach/abdominal gurgling (gas) and abdominal discomfort

Children: The vaccine course differs for children. Please consult with us for specific guidance

Additional Precautions: In addition to getting vaccinated you need to practise food, hand and water hygiene while in a risk area

Risk of Contracting Cholera: Cholera can cause digestive problems such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting. It increases your risk of dehydration, which can be fatal.

Please consult with us for personalised advice and to address any specific concerns you may have.

Safety Tips To Help Avoid Cholera

Cholera is often contracted through contaminated water and sometimes food. Here are some safety tips to help you avoid Cholera:

1. Drink Safe Water:

   • Consume only boiled or treated water.
   • Avoid consuming water from questionable sources, such as street vendors.

2. Eat Well-Cooked Food:

   • Ensure that all foods, especially seafood, are thoroughly cooked.
   • Avoid raw or undercooked eggs and dishes containing them.

3. Wash Hands Thoroughly:

   • Wash your hands with soap and water before handling or consuming food.
   • Use hand sanitisers if soap and water are not available

4. Avoid Ice from Unknown Sources:

   • Ice made from contaminated water can pose a risk, so choose ice from reputable sources.

Remember that Cholera fever prevention involves a combination of personal hygiene, safe food and water practices, alongside, vaccination.

If you experience symptoms such as prolonged fever, abdominal pain, or digestive issues, seek medical attention promptly.

Prices Per Vaccine

Prices are accurate from December 2023 but may fluctuate depending on cost prices at the time of consultation.

Vaccine	Price
Cholera	£60
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio	£35
Hepatitis A	£65
Hepatitis B	£55
Hepatitis B Paediatric	£30
Hepatitis A and B combined	£79
Japanese Encephalitis	£95
Meningococcal ACWY	£60
Rabies	£85
Tick-borne encephalitis	£65
Typhoid	£35
Yellow Fever	£70

 

Anti-Malarial Tablets Priced per Prescription for duration of trip

Frequently Asked Questions

What countries are at risk of Cholera?

Cholera occurs in areas of poor sanitation, with poor water and food hygiene, particularly in areas suffering from natural disasters or war zones. Cholera is particularly prevalent in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.

This is just a shortlist, please consult us for up-to-date outbreaks.

What are the risk of Cholera?

The early symptoms of cholera may appear within 1-5 days after ingesting the bacteria. Affected individuals may undergo vomiting of a clear liquid and painless, pale, and cloudy diarrhea. These symptoms can lead to a significant loss of fluids from the body, resulting in dehydration and causing the skin to take on a greyish-blue hue.

How far in advance of travel should I get my travel vaccine?

It is best to check with the pharmacist as to when your vaccine course should commence. It is best to contact Cara as soon as possible so that we can ensure you receive the best protection whilst you are travelling allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your trip.

Is there a cost for the travel vaccination service?

There is a £35 fee for your initial consultation and any additional cost will depend on your individual situation. The pharmacist will be able to advise.