Vaccination can help stop cholera 💉

There is a vaccine available against cholera. It is called the ‘oral cholera vaccine’ or OCV. Being vaccinated with OCV reduces your chances of getting infected with cholera. The oral cholera vaccine can be given to children over one year and to adults, remember that it is safe for you to receive the oral cholera vaccine even if you are pregnant.

How safe and effective is vaccination?

• The cholera vaccine is an oral vaccine, meaning it needs to be swallowed, that’s why it is called "oral cholera vaccine" or OCV.
• In a two-dose schedule, the doses should be taken at least two weeks apart (and not more than six months apart). This provides you with protection for at least three years.
• Currently, a one-dose schedule is being offered because there is a global shortage of the vaccine. This provides strong protection for a shorter period of time.
• Being vaccinated with OCV reduces the chances of becoming infected with cholera.
• The oral cholera vaccine can be administered to children over one year of age and adults.
• It is also safe for pregnant women to receive the oral cholera vaccine.
• Rare side effects include nausea, vomiting, mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

Vaccination is a critical tool to stopping cholera, but access to safe water and sanitation is the most important thing to protect communities.