Cholera Vaccination Service

Cholera is a disease characterised by profuse, watery diarrhoea caused by certain toxin-producing forms of the bacteria called Vibrio cholera.

Cholera Vaccination Service

Next-day appointments available

Book an appointment at one of our branches for next-day service.

About cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by the gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Following the colonisation of the small bowel, the bacteria produces an enterotoxin that causes the secretion of fluid and electrolytes and leads to painless, watery diarrhoea.

Cholera can be mild or occur without symptoms in healthy individuals. Symptoms include sudden, profuse, watery diarrhoea with associated nausea and vomiting. If untreated, cholera can rapidly lead to severe dehydration and shock; 50% of those with serious complications die. With quick and effective treatment, the risk of dying is less than 1%.

How can you get cholera?

The risk of cholera for most travellers is extremely low. Activities that may increase risk include:

  • Drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked food (particularly seafood) in areas where outbreaks occur

  • Travellers living in unsanitary conditions, including humanitarian workers in disaster/refugee areas

Available service options

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

  • Cholera Vaccine (Oral) - 6 years and over

    £76.99 per patient

    The standard primary course of vaccination against cholera consists of 2 doses for adults and children from 6 years of age.

  • Cholera Vaccine (Oral) - 2 to below 6 years

    £115.50 per patient

    Children 2 to below 6 years of age should receive 3 doses. Doses are to be administered at intervals of at least one week.

Prefer to book this service over the phone?

Call us on 0113 322 9984

Number of doses required and when to boost

Number of doses

When to boost

6 years and older: 2 doses, minimum one week and maximum six weeks apart.

2 - 6-year-olds: Three doses are given.

2 yrs in those aged 6 yrs to adult age

Six months when given to those aged 2 – 6 yrs

Not sure what service option you need?

If you are unsure which vaccines you need for your holiday, why not take advantage of our travel health advice service? This service includes a personalised telephone consultation to determine your travel health requirements, including vaccination, altitude sickness, jet lag, period delay, travellers' diarrhoea and antimalarials.

High risk areas for cholera

Most cases of cholera are confined to regions of the world with poor sanitation and water hygiene, such as parts of:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa

  • South and Southeast Asia

  • The Middle East

  • Central America and the Caribbean

What our customers think

5 out of 5 stars

The Pharmacist who checked my BP was friendly and helpful and answered a query. It only took a few moments to check.

Gary Allen

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you so much you did great would recommend to anyone.keep up the good professional work.

Patrick Cullimore

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service definitely would recommend, managed to get me appointment same day young lady was so professional in explaining and carrying out the treatment, feeling much better now, thank you.

Lee Robertshaw

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service received at Midway pharmacy Middleton Leeds yesterday both ears were totally blocked and the young girl that performed the syringing was friendly and explained what was happening clearly and efficiently all done in 10 minutes can hear again now fantastic!

Jane Cooper

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Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.

    • Do I need a booster for the cholera vaccine?

      A single booster dose or full revaccination is usually recommended if you have previously been vaccinated against cholera and you're planning to travel to an area where the infection is common.

    • How can I avoid cholera while travelling?

      Good hygiene can help stop you from getting ill while travelling in areas where cholera is found.

      Do

      Don't

      Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating

      Do not eat uncooked fruit and vegetables (including salads) that you have not washed with bottled or boiled water and prepared yourself

      Only drink tap water that has been boiled or bottled water

      Do not eat shellfish and seafood

      Brush your teeth using bottled or boiled water

      Do not eat ice cream or have ice in your drinks

    • Can I get the cholera vaccine on the NHS?

      The cholera vaccine is usually only recommended if either:

      • You're travelling to an area where cholera is common, and you'll be visiting remote places without access to medical care

      • You're an aid or disaster relief worker going to an area where a cholera outbreak is likely

    • How is the cholera vaccine given?

      The vaccine is given as a drink. For adults, two doses (1 to 6 weeks apart) can provide protection for up to 2 years.

      You need to have had both doses at least a week before travelling.

    • I have been abroad and think I may have cholera. What do I do?

      If you have been in an area where there is cholera, and you have:

      • severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting

      • symptoms of dehydration, such as feeling thirsty or dark yellow and strong-smelling pee

      You should see your doctor. Tell the doctor that you have been in an area with cholera in the last few weeks.

      You may need treatment to stop you from becoming dangerously dehydrated.

    • How is cholera transmitted?

      Cholera is transmitted via contaminated water and food. An essential step in preventing infection is to control what you eat and where your drinking water comes from.

    • Are next-day appointments available?

      Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.

    • Where is this service available?

      This service is available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.

    • What is the incubation period for cholera?

      The incubation period for cholera is usually between two and five days but may be only a few hours.

Ready to book this service?

Next-day appointments are available at our branches.