What Is the Cholera Vaccine?

The cholera vaccine is an oral immunisation designed to protect against cholera. It's particularly recommended for those travelling to regions where cholera is prevalent or where there’s an elevated risk of outbreaks.

Young Asian man suffering from symptoms of cholera during overseas travel.

What Is Cholera?

Cholera is a severe intestinal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Cholera Symptoms

Cholera symptoms may include:

  • Excessive watery diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Leg cramps
  • Abdominal discomfort

If left untreated, cholera can result in serious dehydration, hypovolemic shock, acute kidney failure, and possibly death.

How to Prevent Cholera?

When visiting high-risk areas, it is important to practise good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap, drink only treated or safe water, and ensure that food is prepared safely. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, untreated water, and ice made from such water. Vaccination is an essential preventative measure, especially for travellers and locals in cholera-prone areas.

How Is the Cholera Vaccine Administered?

The cholera vaccine is administered orally, usually in one to three doses, depending on the product and the recipient's age. At healthscreening.sg, we provide the DUKORAL® oral vaccine, which offers protection against both cholera and ETEC (a strain of E. coli bacteria).

Cholera Vaccine Dosage

Please avoid eating or drinking for 1 hour before AND 1 hour after your cholera vaccination.

The recommended dosage schedule for the DUKORAL® oral vaccine is as follows:

Age Group Vaccine Dosage & Schedule
Adults & Children over 6 years 2 doses: 1 week apart. The second dose should be taken at least 1 week before travel.
One booster within 2 years of the last dose.
Children between 2-6 years 3 doses: 1 week apart. The third dose should be taken 1 week before travel.
One booster 6 months after the last dose.
Children under 2 years DUKORAL® is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

If you are uncertain about the vaccine dosage and schedule, please consult a doctor for more information.

How Long Does the Cholera Vaccine Last?

DUKORAL® oral vaccine provides protection for approximately two years in adults and children over 6 years old. A booster dose is advised for ongoing protection if the risk of cholera persists or if there are repeated travels to endemic areas. Children aged 2-6 years require a booster after six months for continued immunity. If more than two years have passed for adults or more than six months for children aged 2-6 years since the last vaccination, a full primary immunisation course is recommended to renew protection.

Cholera Vaccine Side Effects

Common side effects of the cholera vaccine are generally mild and may include fatigue, fever, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually go away on their own, but it's advisable to consult a doctor if they persist.

Uncommon but Severe Reactions to Look Out for After Your Vaccination

In rare cases, vaccinations may trigger severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or eyes, breathing difficulties, or widespread itchy rashes. Should any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is required.

Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of potential side effects. The information provided should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you have any concerns before receiving a vaccination.

Travel Medicine Kit

Be ready for any trip with our Travel Medical Kit, thoughtfully put together by our doctors to cover common travel ailments.

Doctor-selected essentials
Compact and travel-friendly
$48 (medical kit) or $68 (with first aid kit)

Perfect for solo travellers, group trips, and families.

(No appointment is required — simply walk in to our clinics to get your Travel Medical Kit)

Clear travel medical kit with medications for common travel-related conditions.

Cholera Vaccine Cost

Vaccination Price*
DUKORAL® oral vaccine $272.50

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

If you're planning to visit regions with a heightened risk of other infectious diseases, consider receiving additional travel vaccinations as well.

For home-based, group, or corporate vaccinations, please contact us for more information.

How Do I Book a Cholera Vaccination Appointment in Singapore?

Book Vaccination Now
Book or Enquire Through WhatsApp At 88933757
Ask Through Email At hello@healthscreening.sg

Why Use Us?

Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this will allow you to keep a record of the vaccinations.

The Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations play a vital role in strengthening the immune system, enabling it to more effectively combat specific infectious diseases. By reducing the likelihood of contracting serious illnesses, vaccinations help decrease the need for frequent doctor visits and significantly lower the risk of hospitalisation.

Keeping up with recommended vaccinations allows individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle, confidently engaging in social activities with the assurance that they are protected against contagious diseases.

At healthscreening.sg, we offer a comprehensive range of vaccination options tailored to your health needs, from travel-related to seasonal protection, ensuring your health is thoroughly safeguarded. Your vaccination will be updated in the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where applicable, allowing you to maintain a record of your immunisations.

Dr Leonard Leng: By staying current with our vaccinations, we not only protect ourselves but also shield our family and loved ones from contagious and serious diseases.
Dr Leonard Leng: By staying current with our vaccinations, we not only protect ourselves but also shield our family and loved ones from contagious and serious diseases.

Travel Clinics in Singapore

ATA Medical is conveniently located at two different locations:

ATA Medical Orchard Clinic with Health Screening Nurses and Staff.
Orchard Clinic
ATA Medical Tanjong Pagar Clinic with Health Screening Nurses and Staff
Tanjong Pagar Clinic
Patient having a health screening review with Dr Jana Lim of ATA Medical.
Post-screening consult with Dr Jana Lim

Navigate Easy With Google Maps

Health Screening Singapore
(Anson House)

Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar

Health Screening Singapore
(Camden Medical Centre)

Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there any vaccine for cholera?

There are oral vaccines available for cholera. At healthscreening.sg, we provide the DUKORAL® oral vaccine, which offers protection against both cholera and ETEC, a strain of E. coli bacteria.

Do I need a cholera vaccination?

Cholera vaccination is advisable if you are travelling to regions where cholera is common or currently experiencing outbreaks.

Why was the cholera vaccine discontinued?

Some earlier cholera vaccines were discontinued due to their limited effectiveness, but more effective vaccines have since been developed and are now in use.

When was the cholera vaccine first developed?

The initial cholera vaccine was created in the late 19th century, with modern oral vaccines becoming more accessible in the 1990s.

How long do cholera vaccines last?

Cholera vaccines generally offer protection for 2-3 years, depending on the specific vaccine and the age of the recipient.

What is the best cure for cholera?

Initial treatment for cholera involves rehydration using oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids, and antibiotics in more serious cases.

Is the cholera vaccine worth it?

Yes, particularly for those at higher risk of exposure, as it can prevent severe illness and potentially save lives.

How to avoid cholera when travelling?

You can reduce the risk of cholera by drinking safe, treated water, consuming thoroughly-cooked food, practising good hand hygiene, and getting vaccinated before travelling to high-risk areas.

Which country has the highest rate of cholera?

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the highest incidences of cholera.

What countries need the cholera vaccine?

Countries with inadequate sanitation, frequent cholera outbreaks, or those facing humanitarian crises require cholera vaccination programs.

How much is the cholera vaccine?

At healthscreening.sg, the DUKORAL® oral vaccine, which protects against both cholera and ETEC, is priced at $272.50 NETT, inclusive of GST.

Is the cholera vaccine live or killed?

The cholera vaccine, such as DUKORAL®, is made from killed bacteria.

What are the side effects of the cholera vaccine?

Common side effects may include fatigue, headache, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhoea. Severe reactions are rare.

What is the age limit for cholera vaccine?

DUKORAL® oral vaccine is not recommended for children under 2 years old.

What is the new vaccine for cholera?

Recent cholera vaccines, such as Euvichol-Plus, have streamlined administration and expanded global production capacity, particularly aiding regions that frequently experience cholera outbreaks.