From age 2. An oral vaccine for travellers to areas with outbreaks or poor sanitation, especially aid workers. Free from your GP for travel.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 14Non-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Cholera causes severe watery diarrhoea and is caught from contaminated water. Most tourists are at very low risk, so the vaccine is mainly for aid and healthcare workers, people visiting areas with an active outbreak, and those with limited access to clean water. It is a drink, not an injection.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
Privately✕Not given
Not licensed under 2 years
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered.
2 to 17 years
Privately✓Available
Three doses for ages 2 to 5; two doses from age 6, at least a week apart
On the NHSFree for some
Free from your GP practice for travel, after a risk assessment.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Two doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart
On the NHSFree for some
Free from your GP practice for travel, after a risk assessment.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Two doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Two doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart
On the NHSFree for some
As above.
Recommended for
Aid, relief and healthcare workers going to disaster areas or refugee camps
Travellers to areas with a current cholera outbreak
Travellers to remote areas with limited access to clean water and medical care
Who should not have it
Children under 2
A previous serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or one of its ingredients
An acute stomach upset or fever on the day (postpone)
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
🛡️
Protects against
Bacterial infection causing severe watery diarrhoea, spread through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation.
📅
When to have it
At least 1 week before travel
⏳
How long it lasts
2–3 years
💉
Doses
Single dose
🩹
Side effects
Mild stomach cramps, nausea, or loose stools for 1–2 days. Usually well tolerated.
💡
Good to know
Taken as an oral drink — no injection required.
Common questions
Cholera vaccine (Dukoral): your questions answered
Do I need the cholera vaccine for a normal holiday?
Usually not. Cholera risk for ordinary tourists staying in hotels is very low. It is recommended for aid workers, long-stay travellers in poor-sanitation areas and anywhere with an active outbreak.
How is the cholera vaccine taken?
As a drink mixed with a buffer solution, on an empty stomach (no food or drink for an hour before and after). Two doses are taken 1 to 6 weeks apart, finishing at least a week before travel.
How long does the cholera vaccine last?
About two years in adults and children aged 6 and over (six months in children aged 2 to 5). A single booster within that time keeps protection going if you are still at risk.
Ready to book?
Compare Cholera prices near you
GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.