In what’s sure to be a massive boost for countries suffering from malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a second vaccine to prevent the disease.
R21/Matrix-M was added to the list of prequalified vaccines after the WHO recommended its use for the prevention of malaria among children on the advice of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group.
The R21 vaccine is now the second malaria vaccine prequalified by WHO after the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine was approved in July 2022. After undergoing clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy, both were shown to prevent malaria in children.
Almost every minute, a child under five dies from malaria which equates to 476,630 deaths every year. Moreover, 77 per cent of all malaria’s victims are children, which shows minors are most at risk from the disease.
Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, said: “Today marks a huge stride in global health as we welcome the prequalification of R21/Matrix-M, the second malaria vaccine recommended for children in malaria-endemic areas.
“This achievement underscores our relentless commitment to wiping out malaria which remains a formidable foe causing child suffering and death. This is another step toward ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for those who have lived for too long in fear of what malaria could do to their children.
“Together with our partners, we are united in the pursuit of a malaria-free future, where every life is shielded from the threat of this disease.”
Protecting Yourself Against Malaria
Are you travelling to any country affected by malaria anytime soon? If so, you won’t be eligible for a vaccine, although you’ll still need to make sure you’re protected.
Antimalarial medication can do just that. By fighting the disease and preventing the multiplication and spread of the parasite within the body, these medications prevent you from becoming sick.
Although antimalarials don’t prevent malaria from entering the body, they do stop the disease in its tracks and ensure no symptoms occur.
The exact medication you’ll need will depend on the destination you’re travelling to. In some regions, the prevalent strains of malaria are resistant to certain types of medications so the type of antimalarial you should take is often dependent on where you’re going.
For instance, in some countries malaria will be resistant to the drug chloroquine, so if you were travelling to one of these destinations then you’d need to take a different medication.
This makes it important to speak to a medical professional before opting for the first antimalarial you come across. That way you know you’re properly protected.
Where Can You Buy Malaria Tablets?
If you’re looking for a place to buy antimalarials then you’ve come to the right place. A travel consultation with the Newdays pharmacist will allow you to source the right medication for you based on your medical history and the details of your trip.
As a side note, it can also be beneficial to check official malaria guidance and advice for your specific destinations.
These preventative drugs work by disrupting the parasite’s life cycle and are generally effective when taken as prescribed. However, they’re not without potential side-effects and some antimalarials may not be suitable depending on the region you’re travelling to and your medical history.
Some common side-effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness. However, not everyone who takes these drugs will experience these side effects and, even for those who do, very often these will die down after a few days as the body adjusts to the medication.
Furthermore, some may interact with other medications. So if you take regular medication then be sure to tell your doctor or medical professional before taking any antimalarial. This will help them determine the most suitable medication.
This is why it’s always crucial to consult a healthcare professional whenever you want to buy malaria tablets to help ensure you’re fully protected and the medication you’re taking is suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
The second malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization is R21/Matrix-M. It was approved to help protect children living in areas where malaria is common and complements the earlier RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in reducing severe malaria and malaria-related deaths.
No. Current WHO-approved malaria vaccines are intended for children living in malaria-endemic countries and are not a substitute for antimalarial tablets for UK travellers. Depending on your destination, you may still need malaria tablets and should always use effective mosquito bite prevention measures.
The best protection combines antimalarial medication, insect repellent containing DEET, long-sleeved clothing, insecticide-treated mosquito nets where appropriate, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. A travel health consultation can help determine the right malaria prevention for your itinerary.