What Is Vaxchora? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If you're planning international travel to parts of Africa, Asia, or other cholera-affected regions, you may have heard your doctor or travel medicine provider recommend Vaxchora. But what exactly is it, and is it right for you?

This guide gives you a complete, plain-language overview of Vaxchora — what it is, who should get it, how it's given, how well it works, and what to know in 2026.

What Is Vaxchora?

Vaxchora (cholera vaccine, live, oral) is the only FDA-approved cholera vaccine in the United States. It was first approved by the FDA in June 2016 for adults ages 18–64, and the approval was expanded in December 2020 to include children ages 2–17. As of 2026, it is manufactured by Bavarian Nordic A/S.

Vaxchora is a live-attenuated vaccine — meaning it contains a living but weakened version of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium (specifically the CVD 103-HgR strain). Unlike most vaccines, Vaxchora is not injected. It's taken as a single oral dose — essentially a liquid you drink — under clinical supervision.

What Is Vaxchora Used For?

Vaxchora is indicated for active immunization against cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 in persons ages 2 through 64 traveling to cholera-affected areas.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with V. cholerae. It's endemic in parts of:

• Sub-Saharan Africa (including DR Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, and others)
• South Asia (Bangladesh, India, parts of Pakistan)
• Southeast Asia and portions of the Western Pacific
• Haiti and parts of the Caribbean (historically high-risk)

The CDC recommends Vaxchora specifically for travelers ages 18–64 going to areas where cholera transmission is active (cases reported within the past year). Consult the CDC's destination-specific travel health notices before your trip.

How Is Vaxchora Taken?

Vaxchora is a single oral dose. Here's how it works:

1. The vaccine comes in two foil packets — one with vaccine powder and one with a buffer solution. A healthcare worker prepares it by mixing the contents in a cup of water.
2. You must fast (no food or drink except water) for 60 minutes before and after ingestion.
3. Adults and children 6+ receive the full 100 mL dose; children ages 2–5 receive a 50 mL dose.
4. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before potential cholera exposure.

How Effective Is Vaxchora?

In a controlled human challenge study (where vaccinated volunteers were exposed to V. cholerae), Vaxchora demonstrated:

• 90.3% efficacy against moderate to severe diarrhea at 10 days post-vaccination
• Approximately 80% efficacy at 3 months post-vaccination

Duration of protection beyond 3 months has not been fully established. Some travel medicine providers recommend a booster if you continue to travel to cholera-affected areas beyond that timeframe.

Who Should NOT Get Vaxchora?

Vaxchora is NOT recommended for:

• Persons under age 2 or 65 and older (outside the approved age range)
• Anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to Vaxchora or its ingredients
• Immunocompromised individuals (HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, those on chemotherapy or high-dose corticosteroids) — use with caution as safety and efficacy are not established
• Persons who have taken oral or parenteral antibiotics within the past 14 days

Is Vaxchora a Controlled Substance?

No. Vaxchora is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription vaccine but carries no DEA scheduling, no abuse potential, and no restrictions on prescribing based on DEA registration status.

What Is the Cost and Insurance Coverage?

Vaxchora has an average retail price of approximately $402. GoodRx can reduce this to around $299.99, and SingleCare to around $305. Insurance coverage varies — it's sometimes covered as a medical benefit (HCPCS code 90625) rather than a prescription drug benefit. Medicare Part D generally doesn't cover it.

Where to Get Vaxchora

Vaxchora is available at travel medicine clinics, hospital travel medicine departments, and some specialty pharmacies — not at most chain pharmacies. Use medfinder to find providers near you with Vaxchora in stock. Start your search 3–4 weeks before your departure date.

Want to understand how Vaxchora works in your body? Read: How Does Vaxchora Work? Mechanism of Action Explained in Plain English.