Timing
At least 1-2 weeks before travel, since 2 doses are usually needed.
Typical course
2 oral doses, 1-6 weeks apart.
Often relevant for
- areas with active cholera outbreaks
- humanitarian/aid work in low-sanitation settings
Cholera causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration and spreads through contaminated water, so it is closely tied to sanitation infrastructure rather than being a general risk for most mainstream travel.
Most holidaymakers are not advised to have this vaccine; it tends to come up for aid workers, those visiting disaster-affected areas, or travel to regions with a confirmed active outbreak.
Basic food and water precautions remain the main protection for all travellers regardless of vaccination status.
Not sure if you need this one?
A travel health consultation looks at your whole itinerary, not just one vaccine.
See our travel vaccination consultation service →Other vaccines