Although vaccines for cholera are available, routine vaccination is generally not recommended for cholera and is not an official entry requirement for any country. Vaccination may be considered for special cases, such as people with some existing medical conditions, or those working in humanitarian relief or natural disaster areas.
How can cholera be prevented?
Before and during travel to high-risk countries: 7
- seek advice from a travel medical clinic or an experienced general practitioner on how to protect yourself from cholera and other diarrhoeal illnesses
- regularly wash hands with soap and water
- drink only water that has been boiled or disinfected with iodine or chlorine tablets. Carbonated bottled drinks are usually safe (if no ice is added)
- eat freshly prepared and/or hot food, and avoid eating raw foods or vegetables (unless they can be peeled)
- always practice good food handling procedures.
Sources & Citations
1. Australian Government Department of Health. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Cholera. Available at: immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/cholera (accessed 24 November 2021).
5. Healthy WA. Cholera. Available at: healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Cholera (accessed 24 November 2021).
6. World Health Organization. Cholera Frequently asked questions and information for travellers. Available at: https://www.who.int/cholera/technical/FaqTravelersNov2010.pdf?ua=1 (accessed 24 November 2021).
MAT-AU-2102457 Date of preparation December 2021
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