Do the benefits of the cholera vaccine outweigh its risks?
Although the cholera vaccine does not have serious side effects, it is only about 50 percent effective and people traveling in developing countries are not at high risk of catching cholera if they stay in standard tourist accommodations. So, for most people, the cholera vaccine isn’t necessary. However, people traveling “off the beaten path” in countries where cholera is common and who also engage in high risk activities such as eating raw or undercooked food (such as shellfish) or drinking unbottled water, should get the vaccine — in these cases the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its risks. Reviewed by: Paul A.
