Cholera vaccines are crucial tools in preventing and controlling cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Here's a summary of key information about them:

Types of Cholera Vaccines:

• Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs):
  • These are the most commonly used cholera vaccines today.
  • They are generally safe and effective, and easier to administer than older injectable vaccines.
  • There are different types of OCVs, including:
    • Killed whole-cell vaccines: These contain inactivated V. cholerae bacteria. Examples include Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus.
    • Live attenuated vaccines: there are also live attenuated vaccines, that use a weakened form of the cholera bacteria. An example of this is Vaxchora.
• Key components:
  • The vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that protect against V. cholerae.
  • Some vaccines contain the cholera toxin B subunit, which also aids in protection.

Use and Administration:

• Who should get vaccinated:
  • Cholera vaccination is recommended for people at high risk of cholera, such as those living in or traveling to areas where cholera is endemic or experiencing an outbreak.
  • It's also used in outbreak control and humanitarian emergencies.
• Administration:
  • OCVs are administered orally, typically in two doses, although single dose options are available.
  • The live attenuated vaccine Vaxchora is a single dose vaccine.
• Effectiveness:
  • OCVs provide protection against cholera, but they do not offer 100% protection.
  • Vaccination should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures, such as safe water and sanitation.

Important Considerations:

• Limitations:
  • The duration of protection from OCVs varies.
  • Vaccines are most effective when used in conjunction with improvements to sanitation, and clean water access.
• WHO Recommendations:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of OCVs in cholera control strategies.
  • The WHO maintains a global stockpile of cholera vaccines for use in outbreaks.

In summary, cholera vaccines, particularly OCVs, play a vital role in preventing and controlling cholera outbreaks.