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Evidence summaries

Injected Vaccines for Preventing Cholera

Injected cholera killed whole cell vaccines appear to be relatively effective and safe. Level of evidence: "B"

Sixteen trials were included in a Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 involving over one million adults, children and infants. For killed whole cell vaccines compared to placebo, the relative risk of contracting cholera at 12 months was 0.52 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.65; n=1 512 573), i.e. an efficacy of 48%. Significant protection lasted for two years, even after only a single dose, and for three years with an annual booster. Children under 5 were only protected for up to a year.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (inadequate follow up).

Clinical comment:Injected cholera vaccines have been superseded by oral vaccines.

    References

    • Graves PM, Deeks JJ, Demicheli V et al. Vaccines for preventing cholera: killed whole cell or other subunit vaccines (injected). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010;(8):CD000974. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords