Most travellers consider packing, flight booking and itineraries when planning a trip to a foreign country. What tends to fall between the cracks, though, is coverage against travelling diseases. Although cholera is uncommon in most developed nations, the disease is of concern in areas where there is inadequate sanitation or insufficient clean water. Vaccination may be an important measure in protecting oneself; however, as there are two oral vaccines, Dukoral and Vaxchora, which one cholera vaccine should you use? Let’s break it down.
Learning about cholera and the necessity of a vaccination.
The bacteria Vibrio cholerae cause cholera. Contaminated food or water spreads the infection, leading to severe dehydration and diarrhoea. Although rehydration can successfully treat the condition in many instances, preventing it is always better than curing it, particularly when travelling to high-risk areas such as parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Vaccination does not guarantee you 100 per cent protection but greatly decreases your chances of infection. Notably, it must be accompanied by safe food and water habits, including not eating raw seafood, drinking bottled water, and keeping good hand hygiene.
Dukoral: The Accepted Choice.
Dukoral is long-established and accepted in most countries across the globe, including the UK and Canada. It is an inactivated oral vaccine, which acts by provoking immunity against the cholera toxin.
Key Points about Dukoral:
Dose: Typically administered in two doses (taken 1-6 weeks apart). In children between the ages of 2 and 6 years, three doses are needed.
• Time to Protection: Complete coverage begins approximately 1 week following the series.
• Duration of Protection: Approximately two years in adults and six months in children.
• Availability: It is very common in most travel clinics and pharmacies.
Extra Benefit: Some protection against enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), one of the most frequent causes of travellers’ diarrhoea.
Dukoral is especially effective in cases of travellers who arrange their trips long beforehand and who are more concerned about bigger protection against gastrointestinal infections.
Vaxchora: The Newer Alternative.
The United States and a few other places licensed Vaxchora, a more recent vaccine. It has a live attenuated strain of Vibrio cholerae, unlike Dukoral, and gives immunity within a much shorter period.
Key Points about Vaxchora:
• Dosage: A single oral dose.
Time to Protection: Practical within 10 days and will therefore be convenient to last-minute travellers.
Duration of Protection: Minimum 3 months; however, research indicates that it can last longer.
• Availability: It is available only nowadays, mainly in the U.S.
This is why persons with weakened immune systems should not use it, as it contains a live vaccine.
Doctors frequently prescribe Vaxchora to travellers who make last-minute arrangements to destinations where cholera is common, since it provides quick immunity after a single dose.
Dukoral vs. Vaxchora: What Is Your Verdict?
In deciding whether to take Dukoral or Vaxchora, the choice will probably be based on a few factors:
1. Travel Timeline
o When you have weeks to go, Dukoral is a good option, particularly with the additional feature over ETEC.
o When you have a short notice of leaving, Vaxchora is quicker and hence the better option.
2. Availability
o Dukoral can be found in Europe, in Canada, and in most other places.
o Vaxchora is primarily sold within the United States, and this could be a constraint on access based on your location.
3. Personal Health Factors
o Manufacturers inactivate Dukoral, and it remains generally safe for most people, including those with compromised immunity.
o Doctors should use Vaxchora with additional caution for people with weak immune systems, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical issues, as it is a live vaccine.
4. Type of Protection Desired
o Should you require more protection, the extra cover against traveller’s diarrhoea in Dukoral is a very useful addition.
o Choose Vaxchora for a simpler, faster option if all you are worried about is cholera.
Traveller tips that can help.
• Consult Early: Get vaccination advice from a travel health specialist at least 4-6 weeks prior to the trip.
• Combine vaccination with safe practices: Do not treat vaccination as a free pass—avoid uncooked water, wash your hands, and eat properly cooked food.
• Cheque Entry Requirements: Although uncommon, it is possible that a country is asking to see evidence of cholera vaccination in an outbreak case.
Final Thoughts
Dukoral and Vaxchora are both effective against cholera, but the correct one will vary depending on your destination, places of interest, and medical history. Dukoral is a reliable and commonly available product, particularly for travellers who plan ahead and require additional insurance against diarrhoeal disease. Instead, Vaxchora works much more effectively when travellers need quick vaccination ahead of impromptu trips.
With the help of your travelling schedule and health requirements, you will make a wise decision and choose to be safe by travelling across the globe.
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