Get to know VAXCHORA
VAXCHORA is a one-dose oral vaccine that helps protect people (aged 2–64) from cholera. It should be taken at least 10 days before travelling to an area where there is a risk of diarrhea caused by cholera.
Immunization may not be suitable for everyone and can be associated with adverse events. 100% protection cannot be guaranteed. VAXCHORA is not a treatment for cholera or its complications. The vaccine should not replace standard preventive measures such as handwashing and avoiding potentially contaminated food and water.
Before you go,
VAX with VAXCHORA
Find a clinic near you
How VAXCHORA works
VAXCHORA is an oral vaccine that you prepare and take at home or in a clinic. It works by helping your body make antibodies (proteins that your immune system uses to fight infection) against the cholera bacterium (serogroup O1) and its toxin, which causes diarrhea.
VAXCHORA is a cholera vaccine that helps protect adults and children. VAXCHORA is the only cholera vaccine taken as a single dose.
Planning a trip? Find out if your destination may put you at risk of exposure to cholera.
How to take VAXCHORA
The recommended dose of VAXCHORA is the contents of both sachets in the carton. It is important to follow the directions precisely, or the vaccine may not work. Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (also included in the VAXCHORA package) for the complete step-by-step instructions.
Note that Step 8 is relevant only when preparing VAXCHORA for children aged 2–5.
Gather materials.
- Clean cup
- Utensil to stir
- Bottled water (purified, spring, or sparking [carbonated]); cold or at room temperature (25 °C or less)
- Item to measure 100 mL of bottled water (e.g. measuring cup)
- Scissors
Remove the vaccine from the refrigerator.
Locate the two sachets
(the sachets are
labelled 1 and 2).
Sachet 1 contains “BUFFER COMPONENT OF VAXCHORA” and is black and white.
Sachet 2 contains “ACTIVE COMPONENT OF VAXCHORA” and is blue and white.
If a sachet is not intact, do not use either sachet and contact your healthcare professional about acquiring a replacement dose; using a sachet that is not intact can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Prepare the water.
Measure 100 mL of cold or room temperature bottled water (purified, spring, or sparkling [carbonated]) and pour into a clean cup.
Do not use tap/faucet water, or any non-purified bottled water, other beverages, or other liquids.
Use scissors to cut off the top of sachet 1.
Empty the contents of sachet 1 into the water in the cup.
Stir until the powder completely dissolves.
For children aged
2-5 years only.
Use scissors to cut off the top of sachet 2.
Empty the contents of sachet 2 into the cup.
Stir for at least
30 seconds.
Take the vaccine as directed. If you have spilled any material,
DO NOT take the remaining dose.
Drink the full contents of the cup within 15 minutes of preparing it.
Some residue may remain in the cup and must be discarded.
After taking the vaccine, clean your hands and all items used with soap and hot water. If any liquid was spilled or any residue remains, clean the surface with soap and hot water. Discard the sachets and any disposable items.
Note: You must not eat or drink for one hour before or after taking VAXCHORA as this may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines. Antibiotics, chloroquine, and oral typhoid vaccine Ty21a may interact with VAXCHORA.
What are the most common side effects of VAXCHORA?
VAXCHORA can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects of VAXCHORA are tiredness, headache, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and lack of appetite.
Allergic reactions can also occur. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience the following serious side effects: swelling of the face or throat, hives, itchy rash, breathlessness and/or a drop in blood pressure and fainting.Talk to your healthcare professional about whether VAXCHORA is right for you.
For more information about VAXCHORA, read the
full Patient Information document.
VAXCHORA is a single-dose oral vaccine that helps protect people aged 2–64 from cholera. VAXCHORA should be taken at least 10 days before travelling to an area where there is a risk of diarrhea caused by cholera.
VAXCHORA is effective against the most common serogroup of cholera (O1) but is not effective against uncommon serogroups such as O139. Immunization may not be suitable for everyone and can be associated with adverse events. 100% protection cannot be guaranteed. VAXCHORA is not a treatment for cholera or its complications. The vaccine should not replace standard preventive measures such as handwashing and avoiding potentially contaminated food and water.