Critical Oral Cholera Vaccine Shortage Continues

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a critical shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV), which is affecting cholera outbreak responses.

As of May 16, 2024, the WHO's External Situation Report #14 classified the global resurgence of Cholera as a grade 3 emergency, its highest internal level for emergencies, due to the increasing number of outbreaks and their geographic spread, as well as the shortage of vaccines and other resources, 

Since January 2023, OCV requests have surged, with 15 countries requesting 82 million doses, nearly double the 46 million doses produced during this period.

As of early May 2024, the OCV vaccine stockpile had 3.2 million doses, below the global target of five million.   

From January 2024 to April 2024, a cumulative total of 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 deaths were reported from 24 countries across five WHO regions.

No cholera outbreaks were reported in the United States.

The U.S. CDC says Cholera is an infection of the intestines caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. You can get Cholera from drinking water or eating food containing cholera bacteria.

Most people who get Cholera don't get sick. However, Cholera can cause life-threatening watery diarrhea and vomiting.

As of May 2024, there are various OCVs available.

Two doses of OCV protect against Cholera for at least three years. Since October 2022, only one dose of vaccine has been used in outbreak response, offering protection for about a year.

In the U.S., cholera vaccines are generally available at travel clinics and certified pharmacies.