Vibrio cholerae live attenuated at a glance
Medicine class
Live attenuated oral cholera vaccine
Licensed role
Active immunisation against cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 in adults and children aged 2 years and older
Administration
The buffer and active-ingredient powders are mixed in the specified order and taken by mouth
Protection limits
It does not protect against serogroup O139, other Vibrio species or every case of cholera
What is Vibrio cholerae live attenuated used for?
Its licensed use is:
Active immunisation against disease caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 in adults and children aged 2 years and older, when appropriate under official travel-health recommendations.
How does Vibrio cholerae live attenuated work?
The weakened vaccine strain briefly replicates in the gastrointestinal tract, prompting vibriocidal antibodies and memory B-cell responses that help the body respond to later exposure to cholera O1 bacteria.
How to take Vibrio cholerae live attenuated
Prepare and drink the oral suspension exactly as instructed in the supplied leaflet.
Add the buffer to suitable bottled water before adding the active ingredient. Discard the preparation if mixed in the wrong order.
Follow the specific preparation step for younger children.
Stir thoroughly and drink the full contents promptly after preparation.
Only add the stated optional sweeteners; others may reduce effectiveness.
Wash hands, the cup and stirring utensil thoroughly afterwards.
Vibrio cholerae live attenuated side effects
Common or expected effects
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhoea
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, hives, fainting or collapse
Vibrio cholerae live attenuated in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited. Use is advised only when the expected benefit outweighs possible maternal and fetal risks, following specialist travel-health or prescriber assessment.
Vibrio cholerae live attenuated while breastfeeding
UK specialist guidance generally considers vaccines, including live attenuated vaccines other than yellow fever vaccine, compatible with breastfeeding when clinically indicated. Product information says milk excretion is unknown and recommends an individual assessment.
Vibrio cholerae live attenuated interactions
Tell the vaccination provider about current and recently used medicines and vaccines.
Systemic antibiotics active against Vibrio cholerae
They may prevent sufficient replication of the live vaccine strain and reduce the immune response. The vaccination provider should plan the timing.
Chloroquine
Concurrent use may reduce the immune response and protection. Timing should be planned by the travel-health clinician.
Oral typhoid vaccine Ty21a
The cholera vaccine buffer may alter capsule transit, so they should not be taken together.
Common questions about Vibrio cholerae live attenuated
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is Vibrio cholerae live attenuated used for?
It immunises selected adults and children aged 2 years and older against cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1.
Does it protect against every type of cholera?
No. Protection is specific to serogroup O1 and does not cover serogroup O139, other Vibrio species or every O1 infection.
Can immunosuppressed people take it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.