What Is the E. coli (ETEC) Vaccine?

The E. coli (ETEC) vaccine is developed to guard against infections caused by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a common cause of travellers' diarrhoea and diarrhoeal disease among children.

Young Asian woman suffering from traveller's diarrhoea caused by ETEC while travelling abroad.

What Is E. coli?

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a bacterium that naturally resides in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, certain pathogenic types, such as ETEC, can cause severe gastrointestinal issues by producing toxins that interfere with the body's ability to absorb fluids in the intestines, resulting in diarrhoea. ETEC is a significant cause of diarrhoea worldwide, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation, and presents a significant risk to travellers.

E. coli (ETEC) Symptoms

Infections caused by ETEC often lead to symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and sometimes a mild fever. Due to fluid loss, fatigue and dehydration may also occur. Symptoms typically emerge within 1-3 days after exposure and generally subside within a few days. Although most cases are mild, severe dehydration may necessitate medical intervention.

How Is the E. coli (ETEC) Vaccine Administered?

The E. coli (ETEC) vaccine is usually administered orally, offering a convenient alternative to injections. At healthscreening.sg, we provide DUKORAL® oral vaccine, which offers protection against both ETEC and cholera.

E. coli (ETEC) Vaccine Dose

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.
Children between 2-6 years
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 E. coli (ETEC) Vaccine Last?

DUKORAL® oral vaccine offers protection against ETEC-related travellers' diarrhoea for approximately three months. It also provides coverage against cholera, with the protection against cholera lasting longer.

E. coli (ETEC) Vaccine Side Effects

Common side effects of the E. coli (ETEC) 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.

E. coli (ETEC) Vaccine Cost

Vaccination Price*
DUKORAL® oral vaccine $272.50/dose

*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 E. coli (ETEC) 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 a vaccine for ETEC?

DUKORAL® oral vaccine offers protection against both ETEC and cholera, making it a recommended immunisation for travellers to high-risk areas. At healthscreening.sg, this vaccine is available for $272.50 NETT, inclusive of GST, providing protection against both bacterial infections.

What is the difference between EHEC and ETEC?

EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli) can result in severe gastrointestinal issues, including bloody diarrhoea, and can cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). On the other hand, ETEC (Enterotoxigenic E. coli) mainly results in watery diarrhoea and is a common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea and childhood diarrhoea in developing nations.

What is ETEC infection?

An ETEC infection happens when Enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria are ingested, usually through contaminated food or water, leading to symptoms like watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes nausea.

How to avoid ETEC?

You can prevent an ETEC infection by practising good hand hygiene, drinking safe, treated water, consuming properly cooked food, avoiding street food in high-risk areas, and getting vaccinated.

What is the treatment for ETEC?

The primary treatment for ETEC involves oral rehydration, while more serious cases might require intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are sometimes used but are generally not necessary for most cases.

Is ETEC a cholera-like toxin?

Yes, ETEC produces a toxin that resembles the cholera toxin in both structure and function, leading to similar symptoms of watery diarrhoea.

What is the toxin of ETEC?

ETEC produces two key toxins: heat-labile toxin (LT) and heat-stable toxin (ST), both of which interfere with the intestines' absorption processes, causing diarrhoea.

Is EHEC Shiga-like toxins?

Yes, EHEC produces Shiga-like toxins that can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and complications, including Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

How long does ETEC last?

ETEC infections usually last 3 to 5 days. Symptoms often resolve on their own as long as proper hydration is maintained.

What does ETEC stand for?

ETEC stands for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, a strain of E. coli bacteria known for causing diarrhoea.

What are the complications of ETEC?

ETEC complications can include severe dehydration, particularly in young children and the elderly, and, in rare instances, it can lead to more serious health issues if not treated promptly.

How do you get ETEC E. coli?

ETEC E. coli is most commonly contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation.

What is the difference between E. coli I and E. coli II?

The terms E. coli I and E. coli II are not recognised categories. E. coli is generally classified by pathogenic types, such as ETEC (Enterotoxigenic E. coli) and EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli).

Why does ETEC cause diarrhoea?

ETEC causes diarrhoea by releasing toxins that disrupt the intestines' fluid absorption, leading to excessive fluid secretion and diarrhoea.