What vaccines are available to prevent malaria?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old female planning a trip to a malaria-endemic zone, and I am concerned about the risk of contracting the disease. Additionally, please advise on the other necessary precautions I should take to minimize the risk of contracting malaria, considering that malaria is transmitted through mosquitoes in these regions.

Are there any specific prophylactic vaccines that I should consider taking before my trip?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There is currently no malaria vaccine licensed for use in adults, but there are two vaccines that have been shown to be effective in preventing malaria in children.

These vaccines are

RTS, S/AS01 [recombinant protein malaria vaccine] (Mosquirix): This vaccine is recommended for children aged six months to five years who live in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission. It is given as a four-dose series, with the first dose given at six months of age and the subsequent doses given at four weeks, six months, and nine to 12 months of age.
R21/Matrix-M [pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine] (RTS, S/Matrix-M): This vaccine is currently in phase three clinical trials and has been shown to be more effective than RTS, S/AS01 at preventing malaria in children.

There are a number of other malaria vaccines in development, but none of them are yet licensed for use in adults.

In addition to vaccination, there are a number of other precautions that you can take to minimize your risk of contracting malaria while traveling to a malaria-endemic zone.

These include:

Using mosquito repellent: Apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) to your exposed skin and clothing. DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent available.
Wearing long sleeves and pants: When possible, wear long sleeves and pants to cover your skin.
Staying in air-conditioned or screened accommodations: If possible, stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations to prevent mosquitoes from entering your room.
Using a mosquito net: If you are staying in non-air-conditioned accommodations, use a mosquito net over your bed.
Taking antimalarial medication: Your doctor can prescribe antimalarial medication to help prevent malaria. It is important to start taking antimalarial medication before you travel and to continue taking it for several weeks after you return home.

Malaria is a serious disease, but it is preventable. By taking the necessary precautions, you can minimize your risk of contracting malaria while traveling to a malaria-endemic zone. If you develop any symptoms of malaria, such as fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches, seek medical attention immediately.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.