The Cholera Vaccine Shortage Across The UK

The Cholera Vaccine Shortage Across The UK

13 / Feb

There is currently a national Cholera (Dukoral) vaccine shortage across London and the UK. Despite the shortages, we may be able to source some supplies for you on a case-by-case basis. 

To reach out to our clinic you can either give us a ring on 0207 253 9859 or book your appointment at the bottom of this blog.

What Is Cholera?

Cholera, a bacterial infection, if caught can lead to severe diarrhoea. The infection is not found in the UK, however, can be caught in other parts of the world.

How Can You Catch Cholera?

Below are the following ways that the infection is transmitted:

  1. Drinking unclean water
  2. Eating food that’s been prepared or cooked in unclean water
  3. Eating food handled by someone infected with the infection

What Areas Of The World Is The Infection Prevalent?

The infection is found in parts of the world where there is poor sanitisation. Areas part of Asia and Africa without a clean water supply or modern sewage systems are where the infection is present. 

The Risks Of Cholera Can Be Minimised By Some Possible Basic Prevention Steps Listed Below:

We advise following the following steps to help prevent catching the infection when staying in at-risk areas:

  1. Drink and use safe water (bottled water or tap water that has been boiled)
  2. Brushing teeth with bottled or boiled water
  3. Wash your hands often with soap and safe water (if access is restricted then use an alcohol-based rub which has a minimum of 60% alcohol)

What Other Food and Drinks To Avoid?

Here are additional precautions to take to further minimise catching the infection:

  1. Eating uncooked fruit and veg (if possible avoid fruit and veg that cannot be peeled) that have not been washed with boiled or bottled water.
  2. Shellfish and Seafood (if cannot avoid cook seafood until it is very hot all the way through)
  3. Ice in drinks or Ice Cream

How Long Is The Vaccine Out Of Stock For?

The manufacturer Valneva has indicated that Cholera Vaccine (Dukoral) supplies will resume in Q2 2024, however, no specific date has been given. 

Is There Any Other Vaccines Affected?

As you may be aware there is currently a national shortage in addition to Cholera (Dukoral) of both Rabies (Rabipur) and Japanese Encephalitis (IXIARO) vaccines. We are aware of many people who have started their courses in London and surrounding areas but have been unable to complete the course due to the shortages.

Are All The Other Travel Vaccines Still Available?

We currently have a good supply of other travel vaccinations that you may additionally require including: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, DTP (Diptheria, Tetanus & Polio), Meningitis ACWY, Yellow Fever & Dengue Fever.

Book Your Cholera Vaccine Today

If you want to learn more about our cholera vaccination service, simply click here. Our team are here for you, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The easiest option to book your appointment is by simply clicking on the calendar down below!

Loading...