Is malaria vaccine safe and effective?

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To clear your query about the malaria vaccine, the malaria vaccine, called RTS, S/AS01 (trade name Mosquirix), was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2015 for use in children aged six weeks to 17 months in areas with high transmission of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the vaccine's effectiveness is limited, and it is not currently recommended for use in travelers or other populations outside of this age group and geographic area. Here's what you need to know about the malaria vaccine:

Effectiveness: The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of clinical malaria by about four in ten (39%) over four years in young children living in areas with high malaria transmission. However, the vaccine's effectiveness wanes over time, and booster doses may be needed to maintain protection. The vaccine is not effective against all strains of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and it may not provide complete protection against severe malaria or malaria-related deaths. It is not currently recommended for use in travelers or other populations outside of the approved age group and geographic area due to its limited effectiveness and high cost.

Side effects: Common side effects of the malaria vaccine include fever, injection site pain, swelling, and redness. These side effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and go away on their own within a few days. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and seizures. These side effects are more common in children with a history of febrile seizures or epilepsy.

Recommendations: If you are traveling to an area with high malaria transmission, the best way to prevent malaria is to take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This is more effective than relying on the malaria vaccine alone. If you are concerned about the risk of malaria during your travels, talk to your healthcare provider about antimalarial medication options that are appropriate for your health history and travel itinerary. To reduce your risk of mosquito bites during your travels, use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, use mosquito nets over your bed at night, and avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk). If you develop symptoms of malaria during your travels or after returning home, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can prevent serious complications and improve outcomes.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.