Cholera Vaccine – Essential Protection from Corbett Pharmacy Droitwich Travel Clinic

Introduction: Why I Recommend the Cholera Vaccine

As Chief Pharmacist and Travel Clinic Lead at Corbett Pharmacy in Droitwich, one of the less common but still very important vaccines I provide is the Cholera vaccine.

Cholera is often associated with major outbreaks in news headlines, but the reality is that it’s still present in many parts of the world. It spreads quickly in areas with poor sanitation or unsafe drinking water and can cause severe, life-threatening dehydration.

While not everyone travelling abroad will need this vaccine, for some – particularly aid workers, long-term travellers, and those visiting high-risk areas – it’s a vital protection.

➡️ If you’re planning travel soon, you can book your Cholera vaccine here.

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food and can lead to severe diarrhoea and rapid dehydration.

Symptoms of Cholera include:

• Sudden onset of watery diarrhoea (“rice water stools”)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Severe dehydration

• Muscle cramps

• Shock and, in extreme cases, death

Without treatment, Cholera can be fatal within hours. However, with rapid rehydration and medical care, most people recover fully.

For NHS guidance, see: Cholera – NHS.

Where is Cholera Found?

Cholera is most common in regions with poor access to clean water and sanitation.

High-risk areas include:

• South Asia – India, Bangladesh, Nepal

• South-East Asia – Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos

• Africa – especially sub-Saharan Africa and regions affected by natural disasters

• Parts of the Caribbean and South America – Haiti, Peru

Outbreaks are more likely after floods, earthquakes, or conflicts where water supplies are disrupted.

➡️ If you’re travelling to one of these destinations, let’s discuss whether you need the vaccine: Book Your Appointment

How Does the Cholera Vaccine Work?

At Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic, we provide the oral Dukoral® Cholera vaccine, which contains inactivated bacteria and a toxin component to stimulate your immune system.

Key facts about the vaccine:

• Taken orally as a drink, not an injection

• Requires 2 doses (1–6 weeks apart) for adults and children over 6 years

• Provides protection for around 2 years

• For children aged 2–6, 3 doses are required for full protection

Because it’s oral, it’s well tolerated and easy to administer.

➡️ Learn more: Cholera Vaccine – Droitwich Travel Clinic

Who Should Get the Cholera Vaccine?

Not everyone needs the Cholera vaccine, but I strongly recommend it if you are:

• Travelling to high-risk areas with known outbreaks

• Working in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, or refugee camps

• Long-term travellers or backpackers in rural areas

• Visiting family in India, Bangladesh, or Africa where sanitation may be limited

• Healthcare or military staff working in affected regions

Even if you’re not in one of these groups, I’ll discuss your itinerary and risk factors during your consultation.

Cholera and Traveller’s Diarrhoea – What’s the Difference?

Many travellers confuse Cholera with Traveller’s Diarrhoea.

The key difference is severity – Cholera can be deadly without treatment, which is why vaccination is recommended for high-risk travellers.

Other Vaccines Often Needed Alongside Cholera

If you’re heading to a Cholera risk region, you may also need:

• Typhoid – also food and waterborne

• Hepatitis A – very common in Asia and Africa

• Rabies – for animal exposure in rural areas

• Tetanus – for protection from contaminated wounds

➡️ I’ll make sure you’re fully covered before you travel: Book Your Appointment

Side Effects of the Cholera Vaccine

The oral Cholera vaccine is very safe and generally well tolerated.

Common mild side effects:

• Abdominal pain or mild diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Stomach upset

These usually resolve quickly. Allergic reactions are very rare.

Food and Water Hygiene Tips

Even with the vaccine, I always advise travellers to practice safe food and water habits:

• Drink bottled or boiled water only

• Avoid ice unless made with safe water

• Eat food that’s freshly cooked and piping hot

• Peel fruit and vegetables yourself

• Wash hands often or use hand sanitiser

Vaccination plus hygiene is the best way to stay safe abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions – Cholera Vaccine

1. Do I really need the Cholera vaccine?
Not everyone does – but if you’re travelling to high-risk regions or working in aid settings, it’s strongly advised.

2. How long does it last?
Protection lasts for 2 years (adults). Boosters are required after that if you’re still at risk.

3. Can children get the Cholera vaccine?
Yes – from age 2 years and above. The course is slightly different for young children.

4. Is the Cholera vaccine available on the NHS?
Not usually. It’s mainly offered privately for travellers and humanitarian workers.

5. How is it given?
It’s taken orally as a liquid drink, not as an injection.

6. Does the vaccine stop Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
No – but it does protect against some strains of E. coli, which may reduce risk slightly.

7. Can I get the Cholera vaccine last-minute?
Yes – even one dose provides partial protection if there’s no time for the full course.

Why Choose Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic for Your Cholera Vaccine?

Patients across Droitwich, Worcester, and Worcestershire choose us because:

• We stock the oral Dukoral Cholera vaccine

• I (Aran Bassi) provide expert, personalised consultations

• We offer same-week appointments for last-minute travellers

• We combine the Cholera vaccine with other essential travel vaccines in one visit

• Convenient, local care without GP delays

➡️ Protect yourself before you travel: Book your Cholera vaccine today

Conclusion: Travel Confidently with Cholera Protection

Cholera may not be on every traveller’s radar, but in the wrong circumstances, it can be deadly. For those travelling to high-risk regions, humanitarian workers, or long-term travellers, the Cholera vaccine offers simple, safe, and effective protection.

At Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic, I’ll make sure you have the right vaccines, advice, and peace of mind before you set off.

➡️ Book your Cholera vaccine now

Written by:
Aran Bassi
Chief Pharmacist & Travel Clinic Lead
Corbett Pharmacy – Droitwich Travel Clinic
36 Corbett Avenue, Droitwich, WR9 7BE
📞 01905 795618