What is the Dukoral (Cholera vaccine)?

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Last updated: March 26, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Dukoral is an oral vaccine used to prevent cholera, consisting of killed whole-cell Vibrio cholerae O1 with purified recombinant B subunit of the cholera toxin (ctx), and is administered as two doses given 1–6 weeks apart, providing approximately 85% efficacy 6 months after immunization 1.

Key Characteristics of Dukoral

  • The vaccine is most commonly administered to travelers, but its use is not universally recommended, including in the USA.
  • Efficacy and duration of immunity can vary considerably between individuals, lasting up to 3 years in some cases.
  • Dukoral works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the cholera toxin and bacteria, providing protection against the disease.

Administration and Protection

  • The standard regimen for Dukoral involves taking two doses, 1-6 weeks apart, for adults and children over 6 years old.
  • For children 2-6 years old, three doses are recommended.
  • Protection begins about one week after completing the course and lasts for approximately two years for cholera.

Recommendations and Guidelines

  • A live attenuated cholera vaccine, available as a single-dose oral vaccine in the United States, is recommended for adults 18–64 years of age who travel to cholera-affected areas (strong, high) 1.
  • It is essential to complete the full course for optimal protection and to consult with a healthcare provider before travel to areas where cholera is endemic.

Comparison with Other Vaccines

  • Other oral vaccines for cholera are available, including a variant of the WC/rBS vaccine and the CVD 103-HgR vaccine, each with its own efficacy and duration of protection 1.

From the Research

Dukoral (Cholera vaccine) Information

  • There are no research papers to assist in answering this question as the provided studies are related to influenza vaccines, not the Dukoral (Cholera vaccine) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies provided discuss various aspects of influenza vaccines, including their composition, efficacy, and safety, but do not mention the Dukoral vaccine.
  • To find information on the Dukoral vaccine, it would be necessary to consult studies or sources that specifically focus on cholera vaccines.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Seasonal influenza vaccines.

Current topics in microbiology and immunology, 2009

Research

The seasonal influenza vaccine Agriflu(®).

Expert review of vaccines, 2011

Research

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2021-22 Influenza Season.

MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports, 2021

Research

Vaccine Ingredients: Components that Influence Vaccine Efficacy.

Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry, 2017

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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