Cholera Vaccine Canada:

VAXCHORA for Travellers

VoyageWell: Your Trusted Travel Medicine Resource

Canadian travellers now have a second option for cholera vaccination. Dukoral, an oral vaccine given in two doses for most travellers, has protected travellers for decades. Vaxchora is now also available as a single oral dose. Both are effective, and the better choice depends on your trip, your health and your timeline.

Dukoral vs. Vaxchora at a glance

	Dukoral	Vaxchora
Vaccine type	Oral, inactivated	Oral, live attenuated
Doses	2 doses, at least 1 week apart (3 doses for ages 2–5)	1 dose
Timing	Complete at least 1 week before exposure	At least 10 days before exposure
Ages	2 years and older	2 to 64 years
Good to know	May also offer some short-term protection against ETEC, a common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea	One appointment, no second dose to schedule

Which is right for you?

Vaxchora is convenient if you’re short on time or want a simpler schedule.

Dukoral may be the better fit if you:

Are 65 or older
Have a weakened immune system, or live with someone who does
Are taking or have recently taken certain antibiotics or antimalarials
Want possible added protection against travellers’ diarrhoea

Your travel health professional will help you decide.

What is cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or water. It can cause severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration. Most travellers staying in typical tourist accommodation have a low risk. The risk is higher where safe water and sanitation are limited, during outbreaks, and for humanitarian work or long stays in high-risk settings.

Do you need a cholera vaccine?

Not every traveller does. Your itinerary matters as much as your destination. Someone staying at a resort has a very different risk from someone working in an outbreak zone.

Vaccines don’t replace food and water precautions

No cholera vaccine is 100% effective. While travelling:

Drink bottled or treated water.
Avoid ice unless you know it’s safe.
Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
Wash your hands often.

Not sure what you need?

A Virtual Travel Clinic consultation reviews your destination, activities and health history to build your travel health plan. Book your consultation today.

FAQ’s

What is VAXCHORA?

VAXCHORA is a single-dose oral vaccine used to help protect eligible travellers aged 2 to 64 against cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1.

Is VAXCHORA available in Canada?

Yes. Health Canada lists VAXCHORA as a marketed product in Canada.

How many doses of VAXCHORA are needed?

VAXCHORA is administered as one oral dose. It should be taken at least 10 days before travelling to an area where there is a risk of exposure to cholera.

Does the cholera vaccine protect against travellers' diarrhea?

VAXCHORA is specifically indicated to help protect against diarrhoeal disease caused by cholera. It does not protect against all causes of travellers’ diarrhea, so food and water precautions remain important.

Who should consider getting a cholera vaccine?

Vaccination may be considered for travellers with increased risk of cholera exposure, depending on their destination, itinerary and activities. Most travellers following typical tourist itineraries have a relatively low risk.

Can I take VAXCHORA if I'm taking other medications?

Some medications can interact with VAXCHORA, including antibiotics and chloroquine. Oral typhoid vaccine may also require special timing. Always tell your healthcare professional about the medications and vaccines you are taking before receiving VAXCHORA.

Is Vaxchora better than Dukoral?

No. Both are effective. Vaxchora offers a simpler schedule, and Dukoral suits a wider range of travellers.

The right choice depends on your situation.