About Cholera
As one of the deadliest viral diseases, rabies poses a significant risk for travellers venturing into certain parts of the world. Understanding the importance of rabies vaccination can safeguard your health and ensure a worry-free journey. At Purley Travel Clinic, our expert pharmacy team, hailing from one of the longest-running pharmacies in South London, is here to provide you with the essential vaccinations and advice you need. Let's dive into everything you need to know about rabies vaccination.
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What cholera is and why travellers should care
Cholera is an infectious diarrhoeal illness caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It is caught by consuming food or water contaminated with faeces and can cause sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea and vomiting. In severe cases this leads to rapid dehydration and needs urgent rehydration treatment. While cholera is uncommon in high‑income countries, it remains present in parts of Africa, Asia and other regions and can cause outbreaks after disasters or where sanitation is poor. Travellers who drink untreated water, eat food prepared in unhygienic conditions, or work in relief settings face higher risk.
How cholera vaccines work and who they suit
Two oral cholera vaccines are commonly used. One (Dukoral) is an inactivated (non‑live) vaccine given as a short course; the other (Vaxchora) is a single‑dose live, attenuated vaccine. Both are taken by mouth and are intended to reduce the chance of symptomatic cholera, but they do not replace careful food and water hygiene.
Who might be offered vaccination: aid or relief workers, people travelling to a current outbreak zone where safe water is not available, and those likely to have prolonged or close exposure to local conditions. Most routine travellers do not need this vaccine.
Age and timing guidance: oral vaccines are generally licensed from 2 years of age. Dukoral is usually given over two doses (adults and older children) with the course completed at least one week before exposure; some younger children require three doses and protection is shorter. Vaxchora is given as a single dose and needs at least 10 days before travel for the immune response to develop. Revaccination schedules differ: Dukoral’s protection is limited (for example around two years in adults) and the primary course should be repeated if this time has passed; there is limited data on revaccination intervals for Vaxchora. We will check your itinerary and health history to recommend the best option.
Where cholera vaccination is most relevant
Cholera is most likely in places with poor sanitation, disrupted water supplies or active outbreaks. Large outbreaks occur in parts of Africa and Asia and can also emerge after natural disasters or in refugee settings. If your trip involves rural areas, limited access to clean drinking water, eating street food in high‑risk countries, or work with vulnerable communities, vaccination could be considered. We check current outbreak reports and country‑specific advice before recommending vaccination, so bring your travel plans when you call.
Book cholera vaccination at a convenient North London location
If your trip puts you at higher risk of cholera, our team can advise which vaccine is most suitable and arrange the oral dose(s) you need. We provide appointments at Zaxgate Pharmacy (Brent St) and Frank Wreford Pharmacy (Neasden), serving Wembley, Harrow, Brent, Cricklewood, Finchley, Edgware and nearby areas. Our clinicians will review your health, travel itinerary and any medications to keep you safe. To book, call 020 8450 7873 — our staff will help you find the earliest convenient slot and explain any follow‑up doses or precautions.
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