Supply Constraints with Cholera Vaccine

There are currently supply constraints with cholera vaccine (Dukoral) in the UK. Dukoral, which is available from Valneva, is out of stock until the beginning of December 2022.  World Health Organization are also reporting strains on the global supply of cholera vaccine.

Enquiries regarding availability of Dukarol should be directed to Valneva’s distributors, Polarspeed:

• telephone 01525 217666

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of faecally contaminated food or water, and occasionally foodstuffs such as shellfish.

Severe cholera in travellers is rare and whilst supplies are limited or unavailable, clinics should prioritise cholera vaccine for those travellers at highest risk. Vaccination against cholera is dependent on the individual risk assessment, but may be considered for:

• volunteers/humanitarian workers/medical personnel travelling to disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks are likely
• travellers with remote itineraries in areas where cholera outbreaks are occurring and there is limited access to medical care

Regardless of whether cholera vaccine is administered, all travellers should be given advice on:

• maintaining safe food and water precautions
  
• effective hand hygiene
• basic steps in self-treating diarrhoea, particularly remaining adequately hydrated

For more information, please see the TRAVAX Cholera Page.