How Effective Is the Cholera Vaccine? A Comprehensive Guide

Cholera vaccine is mainly given to prevent cholera disease. There are many countries where the chances of getting cholera are high. There are many places in India too where children and people are very likely to get cholera. Let us tell you that cholera spreads due to food and water contaminated with bacteria. The bacteria called Vibrio cholerae is the main cause of cholera. It is an infectious disease, which spreads very easily from one person to another. Along with this, this disease also catches other people due to the bacteria present in the stool of the infected person. People who go to cholera-affected areas also have a very high chance of getting it. The following symptoms are seen in case of cholera –

• Severe diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle cramps 
• Low blood pressure

When a person or child has cholera or cholera, there is a lack of water in his body and due to this the patient may die within a few hours.

Cholera vaccine is given to prevent diarrhea and vomiting in case of cholera. If cholera is not treated in time, then due to this the person may have to face fatal problems like kidney failure, coma, etc.

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It is forbidden to eat or drink anything one hour before and after taking the dose of cholera vaccine. Children between 2 and 5 years of age are given three doses of cholera vaccine, while adults and children above 6 years of age are given this vaccine in two doses at 7 to 14 days. If more than 6 weeks have passed since the second dose of this vaccine, then the course of this vaccine has to be started again.

Adults and children above 6 years of age should be given a booster dose of cholera vaccine (dose that increases the ability to fight the disease) after two years. Apart from this, it is advisable to give a booster dose every six months to children between 2 and 5 years of age. This vaccine should not be given to a child below two years of age.

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Vaccines and medicines are available in many brands in the country to prevent cholera. The quantity of this vaccine may vary depending on the brand. Vaccines available to prevent cholera are available in the form of medicine and injection. The cholera vaccines available in the country and their prices are being described in detail below.

• Cholera vaccine/medicine                             Price
• Shanchol Oral Vaccine                                   355
• Doxt 50 mg                                                      14
• Deline 100 mg                                                 59
• Doxy 24                                                           26

Along with the benefits of the cholera vaccine, it can also have some side effects. In some cases, the following side effects are also seen from cholera vaccine. Common side effects are - 

• Pain in the lower abdomen or stomach ache
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Common side effects
• Diarrhea 
• Fever

Some side effects do not require treatment, while many side effects get cured during treatment. Along with this, your doctor also tells you in detail about reducing all the side effects occurring at this time. 

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After the cholera vaccine, you may also have severe allergies, high fever or other problems. In case of severe allergy, a person has problems like chills, swelling in the face and throat, dizziness and weakness. A person may feel these problems a few minutes or a few hours after taking the vaccine or medicine.

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Cholera vaccine is not recommended in certain circumstances. Due to any disease or other health condition, doctors do not consider it appropriate to give cholera vaccine to infants and adults. Let us know further who should not take the cholera vaccine.

• If a person or child has a fatal allergy to the previous dose of cholera vaccine or there is an allergy at the site of injection, then no one should take the vaccine again. 
• If a person or patient is taking medicines to prevent malaria, then he should wait at least 10 days to take the cholera vaccine.
• People who have any kind of serious allergy to the ingredients present in the cholera vaccine should consult their doctor before taking this vaccine. 
• A pregnant woman should consult a doctor before taking the vaccine. There are no facts available on the risks or harms of this vaccine to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• If a person has taken antibiotics before taking the cholera vaccine, then the effect of the cholera vaccine or medicine may be reduced. For this, a person does not have to take any antibiotic medicine for about 14 days before. 
• People who have mild or severe illness before taking the cholera vaccine should wait until they recover before taking this vaccine. Also, if you are sick while taking the second dose, then definitely talk to your doctor about it. 
• Even after taking the vaccine, a person has to take care of some special precautions. According to experts, a person should be careful about his cleanliness for about 7 days after taking the cholera vaccine. During this time, the person should wash his hands thoroughly after defecation and before eating food, because the elements of the medicine remain in the person's stool for seven days, due to which there is a possibility of a person getting sick. 

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To make humans immune to cholera for the first time, in 1885, Spanish physician Jaume Ferran i Clua created the inoculation of this bacterial disease (inoculation: a process in which bacteria are tested). After this, Russian bacteriologist Waldermar Haffkine created the cholera vaccine for the first time in 1892. 

Cholera in India: Even today, many cases of cholera are reported from many states of India. Treatment is available in hospitals for this disease. But if this disease is not treated in time, the patient may die.

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Cholera vaccine is an effective measure to prevent cholera, which is usually available in oral form. It is preferred in areas where cholera is more likely to occur. Mild side effects of the vaccine may include stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea. Although it does not provide 100% protection, its use along with cleanliness and safe drinking water strengthens the protection against cholera.