What are the dose guidelines for Dukoral (Cholera vaccine)

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Last updated: March 27, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Dukoral should be administered as two doses, 1-6 weeks apart, for adults and children 6 years and older, to provide approximately 85% efficacy against cholera 6 months after immunization, as supported by the World Health Organization and studies such as 1. The dosing guidelines for Dukoral, a cholera vaccine, vary based on age.

  • For adults and children 6 years and older, the vaccine is administered as two doses, with 1-6 weeks between each dose, as stated in the study 1.
  • The efficacy of the vaccine can vary considerably between individuals, lasting up to 3 years in some cases, according to the World Health Organization, as mentioned in 1. Key considerations for administering Dukoral include:
  • Completing the vaccine course at least one week before potential exposure to cholera
  • Preparing the vaccine by dissolving the effervescent buffer granules in 150ml of cool water, then adding the vaccine suspension, and drinking within two hours
  • Avoiding food and drink for one hour before and after taking the vaccine
  • Recommending booster doses after two years for continued protection, although the exact booster schedule may vary depending on individual circumstances and guidelines. It is essential to note that Dukoral is not a substitute for standard precautions against contaminated food and water when traveling, as emphasized in 1.

From the Research

Dose Guidelines for Dukoral (Cholera Vaccine)

  • The dose guidelines for Dukoral, a cholera vaccine, are not explicitly stated in terms of dosage amount, but rather in terms of the number of doses required for protection 2, 3, 4.
  • Two doses of Dukoral with or without a booster dose have been shown to reduce cases of cholera at two-year follow-up in a general population of children and adults 2.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified Dukoral as an oral killed cholera vaccine, indicating that it meets certain standards for safety and efficacy 3.
  • However, the protective efficacy of Dukoral has been questioned, particularly in children under 5 years of age, and its long-term protective efficacy is not well established 4.
  • Other studies have focused on the use of different cholera vaccines, such as Shanchol and CVD 103-HgR, which have shown varying levels of protection against cholera 2, 5, 6.

Comparison with Other Cholera Vaccines

  • Dukoral is one of several cholera vaccines available, including Shanchol, Euvichol, and CVD 103-HgR 3, 5.
  • Each of these vaccines has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, and the choice of vaccine may depend on various factors, including the target population, the setting, and the specific needs of the individuals being vaccinated 2, 3, 5.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the dose guidelines and protective efficacy of Dukoral and other cholera vaccines, particularly in different populations and settings 2, 4.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Oral killed cholera vaccines for preventing cholera.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2024

Research

Cholera Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2022.

MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports, 2022

Research

Cholera vaccines.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2000

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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