Cholera vaccine.
Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, most relevant to travellers heading to areas with poor sanitation, active outbreaks, or limited access to clean water, including aid and healthcare workers. Unlike most travel vaccines, this one is taken as a drink rather than an injection. Available with our GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.
What cholera is, and how the vaccine helps.
Cholera is caused by bacteria spread through food or water contaminated with human waste. It can cause sudden, severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which in serious cases can lead to rapid dehydration. It is most common in areas with poor sanitation or unreliable access to clean water, including parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central and South America, and can occur wherever an active outbreak is underway.
The oral cholera vaccine is taken as a drink rather than an injection, mixed with water and a buffer solution at your appointment. It is not recommended for most short-stay holidaymakers staying in good-quality accommodation, but is a sensible option for longer stays, more basic travel conditions, or work in higher-risk settings.
Is the cholera vaccine right for you?
Particularly those heading into emergency relief settings, refugee camps, or areas with an active cholera outbreak.
Those spending extended time in areas with limited access to clean water or basic sanitation.
Where reaching treatment quickly in the event of illness may be difficult.
Generally not needed for shorter trips to good-quality tourist accommodation, though your pharmacist will confirm based on your specific itinerary.
As it is taken orally, it does not interfere with injection sites, so it can usually be given in the same appointment as vaccines like hepatitis A or typhoid.
Full price list available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.
How the cholera vaccine course works.
First dose
Taken as a drink at your appointment, mixed with water and a buffer solution. Adults and children aged 6 and over need 2 doses in total.
Second dose, 1 to 6 weeks later
Children aged 2 to 5 need a third dose in this same window. Leaving more than 6 weeks between doses means the course needs to be restarted.
Full protection about a week later
Complete your course at least 1 week before you travel to allow full protection to develop.
Protection and boosters
Protection lasts around 2 years for adults and children aged 6 and over, and around 6 months for children aged 2 to 5. A single booster dose can extend protection by a further 2 years if taken within 2 years of finishing the original course.
Book your cholera vaccine.
Same-day and same-week appointments often available. Can usually be given alongside your other travel vaccines in one visit.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (private services only)
Call us
113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered
Book — Cholera Vaccination
Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG
Cholera vaccine prices.
Price per dose. Most adults need 2 doses, children aged 2 to 5 need 3. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.
| Vaccine | Course | Price per dose |
|---|---|---|
| Cholera | 2 doses (3 for ages 2–5) | £34.00 |
Cholera vaccine FAQs.
What does the cholera vaccine protect against?
Is this vaccine an injection?
How many doses do I need?
How soon before travel should I complete the course?
How long does protection last?
Do I need this vaccine for every trip?
Are there any side effects?
Related vaccines and services.
Typhoid Vaccine
Another food and water-borne risk for the same higher-risk destinations, often given at the same appointment.
Learn more →Hepatitis A Vaccine
A further food and water hygiene risk, commonly recommended alongside cholera for similar destinations.
Learn more →All Travel Vaccinations
See every destination and vaccine we cover as part of our full pre-travel health service.
Learn more →