Skip to main content


U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government
              Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you knowDot gov**Official websites use .gov**
                 A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
                  HTTPS**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                 A **lock** (A locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
  Menu Close
          Enter the terms you wish to search for.
    Search
        








  
  
    

  
      

                                      About HHS
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Programs & Services
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Grants & Contracts
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Laws & Regulations                  
Immunization
  Vaccine Basics
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Vaccines by Disease
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Who and When
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Get Vaccinated
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Get Involved
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      About Us

              

    



Breadcrumb
    HHS
                              Immunization Information for You and Your Loved Ones
                              Vaccines by Disease
                              Cholera


    

    

    Navigate to:
  Immunization Highlights
    
                                                  
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Vaccine Basics
                                            
            
            Vaccine Ingredients
    
                                                                
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Vaccine Safety
                          
            
            Vaccine Side Effects
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Vaccine Types
    
                                                                
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Vaccines Work
                          
            
            Vaccines Protect You
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Vaccines Protect Your Community
    
                                                  
                                                                                        
                          
      
      
      
      Vaccines by Disease
                                            
            
            Chickenpox (Varicella)
    
                                                  
                                                                  
                          
      
      
      
      Cholera
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      COVID-19
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Diphtheria
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Flu (Influenza)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Hepatitis A
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Hepatitis B
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Measles
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Meningococcal
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Mpox (Formerly Monkeypox)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Mumps
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Pneumococcal
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Polio
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Rabies
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Rotavirus
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Rubella (German Measles)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Tetanus (Lockjaw)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Typhoid Fever
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Yellow Fever
    
                                                  
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Who and When
                                            
            
            Infants, Children, and Teens
                          
            
            Infants and Children Birth Through Age 6
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Preteens and Teens Ages 7 Through 18
    
                                                                
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Adults
                          
            
            Adults Ages 19 Through 26
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Adults Ages 27 Through 64
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Adults Age 65 and Older
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Pregnant Women
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Travelers
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      People with Health Conditions
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Health Care Workers
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Gay or Bisexual Men
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Military Members
    
                                                  
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Get Vaccinated
                                            
            
            How to Pay
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      What to Expect - for Adults
    
                                                                
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      What to Expect - for Parents
                          
            
            Five Important Reasons to Vaccinate Your Child
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Where to Go
    
                                                  
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Get Involved
                                            
            
            Explore Vaccination in Your Community
    
                                                                
                                                                  
            
      
      
      
      Spread the Word!
                          
            
            Graphics
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Widgets and Web Badges
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Toolkits
    
                                                  
                                            
            
      
      
      
      Get More Information
    
                                    
                                            
            
      
      
      
      About UsLanguages
      English
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Español (Spanish)Text resize icon

                    




Cholera








  
  
    

  
      



Cholera is rare in the United States, but it’s still common in some other countries. Every year, more than 95,000 people around the world die from cholera. The good news is the cholera vaccine can lower the risk that people traveling to countries with cholera will get the disease.

The **cholera vaccine** is an oral (swallowed) vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions
                        Why is the cholera vaccine important?
    The cholera vaccine is very effective at preventing the severe diarrhea (watery poop) and throwing up caused by this disease. Cholera symptoms can lead to dehydration (not having enough water in the body), kidney failure, or coma that can be deadly if it isn’t treated right away.

Americans can come in contact with cholera while traveling. If you’re traveling to a country where cholera is spreading, getting vaccinated is one way to protect yourself.
      What is cholera?
    Cholera is caused by a type of bacteria. Symptoms of cholera include:

Severe diarrhea
	Throwing up
	Fast heart beat
	Muscle cramps
	Low blood pressurePeople with severe cases of cholera can get dehydrated and die in just a few hours.

Cholera spreads when poop from a person who has it gets in water or food. Cholera can spread when:

Waste from sewers gets into drinking water
	Someone who has cholera doesn’t wash their hands before preparing foodIf you’re traveling to a place where people get cholera, it’s important to learn what’s safe to eat and drink — and to practice good hygiene (like washing your hands). Learn more about cholera.
      Who needs to get the cholera vaccine?
    Most people don’t need to get the cholera vaccine. But doctors may recommend it for people ages 18 through 64 years who are traveling to an area where people are getting cholera.

Talk with your doctor about how to protect your family from cholera while traveling. To find out if the cholera vaccine is recommended where you’re traveling, visit CDC’s travel website.
      Who should not get the cholera vaccine?
    Some people should not get the cholera vaccine — or may need to wait to get it. Be sure to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated if you:

Have had allergies to the cholera vaccine in the past
	Have other severe allergies
	Have recently taken antibiotics
	Are taking anti-malaria drugs
	Have a weakened immune systemIf you’re sick, you may need to wait until you’re feeling better to get the cholera vaccine.
      What are the side effects of the cholera vaccine?
    Side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:

Stomach pain
	Feeling tired
	Headache
	Not feeling hungry
	Upset stomach
	DiarrheaSerious side effects from the cholera vaccine are very rare.

Like any medicine, there's a very small chance that the cholera vaccine could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting the cholera vaccine is much safer than getting cholera. Learn more about vaccine side effects.
      Where can I get more information about the cholera vaccine?
    Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) have detailed information about recommended vaccines.

Read the VIS for the cholera vaccine.
	Find the VIS for the cholera vaccine in other languages.

                    
  


Get Immunized

Getting immunized is easy. Vaccines and preventive antibodies are available at the doctor’s office or pharmacies — and are usually covered by insurance.

Find out how to get protected.







  Content created by Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) Content last reviewed April 29, 2021Back to top
    Contact HHS
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Careers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      HHS FAQs
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Nondiscrimination NoticeHHS Archive
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Accessibility Statement
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Privacy Policy
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Viewers & PlayersBudget/Performance
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Inspector General
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Web Site Disclaimers
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      EEO/No Fear ActFOIA
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      The White House
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      USA.gov
    
                        
                                            
      
      
      Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
        Sign Up for Email Updates

Receive the latest updates from the Secretary, Blogs, and News Releases.

Sign Up
  HHS Headquarters
          200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
                  Washington, D.C. 20201
                  Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775​