Dukoral Vaccine

The Dukoral vaccine is a vaccine against cholera (also known as traveler’s diarrhea). Researchers have demonstrated that the vaccine elicits immune-boosting responses. A large study in Sweden of PCa patients found that the patients who received the vaccine after diagnosis had considerably reduced PCa mortality and all-cause mortality.

Use of the Dukoral vaccine was associated with a decreased mortality rate, as compared to patients without cholera vaccination, with a crude HR of 0.33 (95% CI 0.23–0.47) and an adjusted HR of 0.57 (95% CI 0.40–0.82) after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. 

The Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine and is taken as two doses, 1-6 weeks apart. The vaccine is available in Canada and the EU. In Canada the vaccine is over the counter and does not require a prescription. The vaccine provides benefits for at least 2 years so should be boosted every 24 months.

I traveled to Canada in 11/2019 to get the Dukoral vaccine. I received it but it took a fair amount of discussion with the pharmacist since I was a U.S. citizen and therefore was not in the national health database (although Dukoral isn’t a controlled drug the Canadian government still required entry of user info into their database). So, when it is time for my booster, I will contact pharmacies to let them know in advance that I am a U.S. citizen. Hopefully I will find one that is willing to dispense the vaccine.

Side effects with Dukoral are not common and are mostly mild headaches and temporary gastrointestinal problems. It should not be used by anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients. And if you have a temporary stomach illness or a fever you should postpone use of the vaccine.