This is a vaccine that helps protect against a serious diarrheal illness called cholera.
VAXCHORA is listed under Health Canada DIN 02538164. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
VAXCHORA
DIN
02538164
Vaccine
Vibrio cholerae CVD 103-HgR, live attenuated
Presentation
Powder for oral suspension · 2 to 64 years
Live vaccine
Yes
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 that helps protect against a serious diarrheal illness called cholera.
It is given to people 2 to 64 years old who are travelling to areas where cholera is a risk.
It does not replace safe food and water habits while travelling, and you should still be careful about what you eat and drink.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any cholera vaccine or to any ingredient in this vaccine.
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor if you have a weakened immune system, or if you live with someone who does.
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor if you currently have a stomach bug or diarrhea illness, since your vaccine may need to be delayed until you recover.
Tell your healthcare professional or doctor about any antibiotics you have taken recently, since this vaccine cannot be given close to antibiotic use.
How it is given
This vaccine comes as two packets of powder that a healthcare professional or nurse mixes with bottled water right before you drink it.
You must avoid eating or drinking anything for one hour before and one hour after taking this vaccine, so the buffer in the mixture can protect the vaccine from stomach acid.
Drink the entire mixed dose within a short time of it being prepared, as instructed by your healthcare professional or nurse.
This is a single dose. Take it at least 10 days before you may be exposed to cholera, so your body has time to build protection.
Important things to know
This vaccine contains live bacteria that can be passed in your stool for at least a week after vaccination. Wash your hands well after using the bathroom for at least 2 weeks, especially if you live with someone who has a weak immune system.
Serious allergic reactions are possible after any vaccine. Your healthcare professional or nurse will ask you to wait for a short period after your dose so they can watch for a reaction.
Effects you may notice
Feeling unusually tired can happen.
Headache can happen.
Stomach pain, especially in children, can happen.
Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting can happen.
Loss of appetite can happen.
Mild diarrhea can happen and usually goes away within a couple of days on its own.
A mild fever can happen, especially in young children.
Muscle aches, joint pain, chills, dizziness, or sweating can happen.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your healthcare professional or doctor if you develop stomach symptoms that concern you after vaccination.
Contact your healthcare professional or doctor if someone you live with has a weakened immune system and develops symptoms after your vaccination.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; or trouble breathing.
Get emergency help for severe or watery diarrhea that does not improve, especially with signs of dehydration such as severe thirst, dizziness, or passing very little urine.
Other medicines and vaccines
Do not take antibiotics close to the time of this vaccine, since antibiotics can stop the vaccine from working. Tell your healthcare professional about any recent or planned antibiotic use.
Wait 2 hours between this vaccine and the oral typhoid vaccine, if you are getting both for the same trip.
Talk to your healthcare professional before starting malaria prevention medicine, since one option, chloroquine, can reduce how well this vaccine works if taken too soon afterward.
Remember: no food or drink for one hour before and one hour after your dose.
Key points to remember
Keep following safe food and water practices during your trip, since this vaccine only reduces your risk and does not guarantee full protection.
Carry your vaccination record when you travel.
Tell any healthcare provider that you received this vaccine if you become unwell while travelling.
Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet for at least 2 weeks after your dose.
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 (VAXCHORA) — one live oral dose
1 dose
One oral dose of live cholera vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
VAXCHORA is authorized by Health Canada for 2 to 64 years of age as a single oral dose against cholera (not travellers’ diarrhea). CATMAT has not yet issued a recommendation; the product monograph governs. Avoid food and drink 1 hour before and after the dose; antibiotics within 14 days may reduce the response.
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.