This is a vaccine you swallow to help protect you against cholera, a serious diarrheal illness.
DUKORAL is listed under Health Canada DIN 02247208. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
DUKORAL
DIN
02247208
Vaccine
Inactivated Vibrio cholerae + recombinant cholera toxin B subunit
Presentation
Oral suspension · 2 years and older
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
This is a vaccine you swallow to help protect you against cholera, a serious diarrheal illness.
It also helps protect against a type of traveller's diarrhea caused by certain E. coli bacteria.
It is recommended for adults and children 2 years and older who are travelling to areas where these illnesses are common.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this vaccine or to formaldehyde.
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor if you have a weakened immune system, such as from HIV or medicines that suppress your immune system, since the vaccine may not work as well.
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet, since this vaccine contains a notable amount of salt.
Do not get this vaccine if you currently have a fever or an upset stomach with diarrhea or vomiting — wait until you feel better. A mild cold is not a reason to delay.
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor about all other vaccines and medicines you are taking or plan to take.
How it is given
Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare professional or doctor tells you, following the mixing instructions provided with the vaccine.
Mix the vaccine with the provided buffer solution as instructed, then drink the entire mixture right away.
Take this vaccine on an empty stomach: do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 1 hour before your dose and for 1 hour after your dose.
Do not take any other medicine, including other vaccines by mouth, within 1 hour before or 1 hour after this vaccine, since this can stop it from working properly.
If you need a live typhoid vaccine taken by mouth, space it at least 8 hours apart from this vaccine.
Important things to know
This vaccine only protects against certain strains of cholera and certain types of E. coli. It does not protect against all causes of traveller's diarrhea.
This vaccine does not replace safe food and water practices while travelling — continue to choose food and water carefully and practice good hygiene.
Rarely, this vaccine can cause a serious allergic reaction. Watch for swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or widespread hives after your dose.
Effects you may notice
Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting can happen.
Gas, indigestion, or stomach cramps can happen.
A mild fever, chills, or feeling tired can happen.
Headache, dizziness, or joint pain can happen.
A sore throat can happen.
Loss of appetite can happen.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your healthcare professional if you have ongoing or severe diarrhea or vomiting after your dose.
Contact your healthcare professional if you notice swollen glands, a rash, or shortness of breath.
Contact your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or get worse after a few days.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help if you have sudden swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Get emergency help if you develop widespread hives or feel like you might faint and do not recover quickly.
Other medicines and vaccines
Do not eat, drink, or take any other medicine by mouth for 1 hour before and 1 hour after your dose — this includes water.
If you take a medicine called vedolizumab for a bowel condition, tell your healthcare professional, since it can make this vaccine less effective.
Most vaccines given by injection can still be given around the same time as this vaccine.
Key points to remember
Remember the 1-hour rule: no food, drink, or other oral medicine for 1 hour before or after each dose.
Continue to practice safe food and water habits during your trip — this vaccine reduces your risk but does not eliminate it.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Cholera / travellers’ diarrhea (DUKORAL) — 6 years and older, two oral doses
2 doses
Two oral doses 1 to 6 weeks apart, finished at least 1 week before travel.
For travellers 6 years and older at high risk of cholera, and 2 years and older for ETEC travellers’ diarrhea: two oral doses 1 to 6 weeks apart. If more than 6 weeks pass between doses, the series restarts. Booster every 2 years for cholera, every 3 months for travellers’ diarrhea while risk continues.
Cholera (DUKORAL) — 2 to 5 years, three oral doses
3 doses
Three oral doses each 1 to 6 weeks apart, finished at least 1 week before travel.
Children 2 to less than 6 years at high risk of cholera: three oral doses, each 1 to 6 weeks apart, completed at least 1 week before travel. Booster every 6 months while risk continues. For travellers’ diarrhea alone, two doses are enough.
Family guidance on pregnancy: DUKORAL: use if indicated when the risk of severe disease is high. VAXCHORA is a live vaccine and is not given in pregnancy.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Use if indicated.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.