Content
The cholera vaccine is used to prevent infection by the bacteriaVibrio cholerae, which is the microorganism responsible for the disease, which can be transmitted from person to person or through the consumption of contaminated water or food, resulting in severe diarrhea and loss of a lot of fluid.
The cholera vaccine is available in regions that have a greater chance of developing and transmitting the disease, and is not included in the vaccination schedule, being only indicated only in specific situations. Thus, it is important to invest in preventive measures, such as proper hand and food hygiene before preparation and consumption, for example.
The vaccines available for cholera prevention are Dukoral, Shanchol and Euvichol, and should be administered orally.
When is indicated
Currently, the cholera vaccine is indicated only for people who live in regions at risk for the disease, tourists who wish to travel to endemic places and inhabitants of regions facing a cholera outbreak, for example.
The vaccine is usually recommended from the age of 2 and should be administered according to the local recommendation, which may vary according to the environment in which the cholera was checked and the risk of contracting the disease. Although the vaccine is effective, it should not replace preventive measures. Learn all about cholera.
Types of vaccine and how to use
Currently, there are two main types of cholera vaccine, namely:
1. Dukoral
It is the most widely used oral vaccine for cholera. It consists of 4 variations of the sleeping cholera bacteria and a small amount of the toxin produced by this microorganism, being able to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against the disease.
The first dose of the vaccine is indicated for children from 2 years old, and 3 more doses are indicated with an interval of 1 to 6 weeks. In children older than 5 years and adults, it is recommended that the vaccine be administered in 2 doses with an interval of 1 to 6 weeks.
2. Shanchol
It is an oral cholera vaccine, consisting of two specific types ofVibrio cholerae inactivated, O 1 and O 139, and is recommended for children over 1 year and adults in 2 doses, with an interval of 14 days between doses, and booster is recommended after 2 years.
3. Euvichol
It is also an oral cholera vaccine, consisting of two specific types ofVibrio cholerae inactivated, O 1 and O 139. The vaccine can be administered to people over 1 year of age, in two doses of vaccine, with an interval of two weeks.
Both vaccines are 50 to 86% effective and full protection against the disease usually takes place 7 days after the end of the vaccination schedule.
Possible side effects
The cholera vaccine does not normally cause side effects, however, in some cases, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping may occur.
Who should not use
The cholera vaccine is not recommended for people who are hypersensitive to any of the components of the vaccine and should be postponed if the person has a fever or has any condition that affects the stomach or intestine.
How to Prevent Cholera
Prevention of cholera is done mainly through the adoption of personal hygiene measures, such as proper hand washing, for example, in addition to measures that promote the safe consumption of water and food. Thus, it is important to treat drinking water, adding sodium hypochlorite to each liter of water, and washing food before preparing or consuming it.
Learn more about cholera prevention.