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Cholera Vaccination
Vaccination Schedule
Primary vaccination consists of two doses of killed cholera vaccine given
at least one week apart. Dosages vary with age. Cholera vaccine can interfere
with the potency of Yellow Fever vaccine when given simultaneously. If
required, a 3-week interval between injections is recommended.
Recommendations
Cholera vaccination certificate is no longer required for international
travellers. Immunisation is not appropriate for most travellers. Cholera
vaccine confers incomplete, unreliable protection of short duration and
conveys a false sense of security to the vaccinee who would then pay less attention
on hygiene issues. Therefore vaccination against cholera is rarely recommended.
Cholera vaccination may be recommended only under the following circumstances:
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1.
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Frontier officials in some countries may require arriving travellers
to show proof of vaccination for entry. |
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Extended stay in endemic or epidemic areas where hygiene is very
poor and medical care is far away. |
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| 3. |
Impaired gastric defense mechanism such as decreased stomach acidity.
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Adverse reactions
Pain, redness and swelling at the site of injection may occur after 1
to 2 days. Fever, fatigue and headache may occur in some people. Serious
reaction is rare.
Contraindications
Persons with a history of severe reactions to the vaccine previously
and infants younger than 6 months of age should not be vaccinated.
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