Cholera Vaccine — Mississauga
Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spread through contaminated water and food. While rare in returning Canadian travelers, cholera outbreaks occur in parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America — and the same mechanism responsible for cholera also causes a large proportion of travellers’ diarrhea. Dukoral, an oral vaccine, protects against both. Available at our Mississauga travel clinic.
Who Should Get the Cholera Vaccine?
Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Southeast Asia where cholera is endemic or epidemic
Travelers to Central or South America, particularly during or following natural disasters where water supplies may be compromised
Humanitarian aid workers, healthcare workers, and volunteers deploying to regions with active outbreaks
Travelers who want added protection against ETEC travellers’ diarrhea — one of the most disruptive travel illnesses
Travelers with underlying health conditions (e.g., reduced stomach acid, inflammatory bowel disease) who are at higher risk from diarrheal illness
About Dukoral (Cholera & ETEC Vaccine)
Vaccine Profile
- • Brand: Dukoral
- • Type: Oral inactivated vaccine (liquid suspension with buffer)
- • Dosing: 2 doses, taken 1–6 weeks apart (adults & children 6+); 3 doses for children aged 2–5
- • How to take: Mixed with provided buffer solution and taken on an empty stomach
- • Efficacy (cholera): ~85–90% within 6 months of completing the series
- • Efficacy (ETEC diarrhea): ~60% for approximately 3 months
- • Booster: Every 2 years for ongoing cholera risk; every 3 months for ETEC protection
About Cholera & ETEC
- • Cholera causes profuse, watery diarrhea that can lead to life-threatening dehydration within hours
- • Spread through water or food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria
- • ETEC (E. coli) causes the classic “travellers’ diarrhea” — a major cause of trip disruption worldwide
- • Risk is highest in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure
- • Safe food and water practices complement but do not replace vaccine protection
How to Take Dukoral
- Each dose comes with a vial of vaccine suspension and a sachet of buffer powder.
- Dissolve the buffer powder in 150 mL (about ⅔ cup) of cool or lukewarm water.
- Mix the vaccine suspension into the buffer solution and drink the entire mixture.
- Take each dose on an empty stomach — avoid eating or drinking (except water) for 1 hour before and after each dose.
- Dose 2 must be taken at least 1 week after dose 1 but no more than 6 weeks later. If more than 6 weeks elapse, the series must be restarted.
- Protection begins approximately 1 week after the second dose.
Dukoral does not require refrigerated transport once dispensed but should be stored as directed until use. Our clinic will counsel you on storage when dispensing your doses.
Pricing & Coverage
For current pricing, see our full vaccination fees page. Most travel vaccines are not covered by OHIP but may be reimbursable through private insurance or employer benefit plans — we provide official receipts for all vaccinations.
Destinations Where Cholera Vaccine Is Recommended
Cholera risk is highest in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure. The oral Dukoral vaccine also provides partial protection against travellers' diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dukoral prevent all types of travellers' diarrhea?
No. Dukoral provides approximately 60% protection against travellers' diarrhea caused specifically by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) — one of the most common bacterial causes of travellers' diarrhea. It does not protect against diarrhea caused by other bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter, or against viral causes like norovirus. Good food and water hygiene remains essential alongside vaccination.
How effective is the cholera vaccine?
Dukoral is approximately 85–90% effective against cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 within the first 6 months after completing the two-dose series. Effectiveness decreases over time; a booster dose is recommended every 2 years for ongoing risk. Protection against ETEC travellers' diarrhea is approximately 60% and lasts about 3 months.
How far in advance do I need to take Dukoral before travel?
The two doses must be taken 1–6 weeks apart. Protection starts one week after the second dose. We recommend completing your two-dose course at least 1 week before departure, which means starting at least 2–3 weeks before travel. Ideally, book a travel health consultation with Peel Travel Clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Can children take the Dukoral cholera vaccine?
Dukoral is approved for adults and children aged 2 years and older. Children aged 2–5 years require three doses (two initial doses plus a third dose given 1–6 weeks later) for full protection. Children 6 and older follow the standard two-dose adult schedule. The vaccine is not approved for children under 2 years of age.
Ready to protect yourself against cholera?
Book a travel health consultation at Peel Travel Clinic. We’ll assess your itinerary and provide Dukoral on-site.
Call (905) 890-2757Other Travel Vaccines
Disclaimer: Vaccine requirements and health recommendations vary by itinerary, medical history, and current health advisories. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a personalized travel health consultation. Please book an appointment with our physician for advice specific to your trip.