Cholera and ETEC diarrhea vaccine

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The person taking this vaccine gets protected against cholera and ETEC diarrhea. The ETEC bacteria can cause 20 to 40% of traveller’s diarrhea. Travellers rarely contract cholera. This vaccine may be considered for people travelling to regions where they are at risk to contract these diseases.

Vaccination is one of the ways to protect against cholera and diarrhea caused by the ETEC bacteria. Several doses of vaccine are required to obtain the best possible protection. As well as vaccination, it is important to avoid consuming water of food that is likely to have been contaminated, and to apply simple hygiene measures (washing your hands and disinfecting objects soiled by stools).

The vaccine should be kept in the refrigerator. No food or liquid should be taken for 1 hour before the vaccine and 1 hour after it.

The vaccine comes in a vial containing the vaccine (liquid) and a packet of buffer (granules). To take the vaccine:

• dissolve the content of the buffer packet in approximately 150 ml of fresh water;
• shake the vial containing the vaccine and add the vaccine to the buffer solution (150 ml). For a child aged 2 to 6 years old, use only half of the buffer solution (75 ml) and add it to the total amount of vaccine;
• shake well and drink immediately.

Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine. Other problems may occur by chance and are not related to the vaccine (e.g. cold, gastro, headache).

Cholera and ETEC diarrhea vaccine is safe. In most cases, it does not cause any reaction.

Allergic reactions to the vaccine may occur. If an allergic reaction occurs after taking the vaccine, see a doctor immediately.