Single-Dose Oral Cholera Vaccine in Bangladesh

Abstract

To the Editor: The reported 6-month efficacy of a single dose of oral cholera vaccine in Bangladesh (May 5 issue),1 although seemingly modest, may have profound implications for future use of the vaccine. One-year protection from two doses in India and Bangladesh did not differ significantly from these new results, a finding that suggests that short-term single-dose protection is similar.2,3 In cholera outbreaks, a rapid response is crucial, and protection from the first dose (direct and indirect) will drive the effect of reactive vaccination.4 These findings open the door to rapid provision of a first dose during epidemics, while . . .