Oral Cholera Vaccine Worldwide

Cholera is a potentially life-threatening, often water borne disease caused by bacterial infection. The infection causes watery diarrhoea leading to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It is this dehydration which is potentially fatal. It is highly-infectious, causing a number of epidemics and pandemics.   For adults and children over six years of age, two doses of the vaccine (Dukoal) are needed to protect against Cholera for two years. After this, a booster will be required. The vaccine is taken orally (by mouth), as a small amount of liquid to be swallowed. Children aged two to six years old will need to have three doses of the vaccine. This will protect them for six months, after which time they will need to have a booster. Each dose of the vaccine costs £20.

Occupational Health Vaccination

What is Shingles? Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin supplied by the nerve. It is caused by a virus called the Varicella-zoster virus (this is the same virus that causes chickenpox). Shingles is sometimes called Herpes zoster. The symptoms of Shingles starts with tingling or burning in an area of the skin and is followed by the eruption of a painful rash usually on one side of the body or face that takes 2-4 weeks to resolve.  Shingles can occur at any age, but it is most common in people over the age of 50 years. About 1 in 4 people develop Shingles during their lifetime. It is also possible to get Shingles more than once, although fortunately fewer than 10% of people who have a first attack will have another one. Can Shingles be prevented? The good news is that there is now a Shingles vaccine available to people aged 50 and over. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of older people developing Shingles, and even if you do develop Shingles then the disease is likely to affect you less severely. A national immunisation programme is available for those aged 70 - 79, but is being introduced in phases.  Can I be vaccinated privately?At Armada Travel Clinic we can offer it for those aged 50 or over. The vaccine is a single dose injection at a cost of £149. Please contact Armada Travel Clinic for further information or to book an appointment.