What should you know about new malaria vaccine?

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise part of the parasite, while the level and duration of protection depend on the vaccine schedule and the setting. A vaccinated person can still develop fever, chills, or muscle aches after exposure, so vaccination should not be used to rule malaria out.

Ask a clinician whether the vaccine is recommended for the person and travel setting involved. Keep scheduled doses and follow local advice about eligibility. Use insect repellent, protective clothing, screened rooms, and other mosquito precautions. Before travel, discuss malaria prophylaxis and carry a record of vaccination and medicines. A travel health consultation can combine these decisions.

Seek urgent medical assessment for fever during or after travel in a malaria-risk area, even if vaccination was completed. Confusion, breathing difficulty, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, or inability to keep fluids down needs emergency attention. A blood test may be required because symptoms cannot reliably distinguish malaria from other infections.

Ask which vaccine and schedule apply, what protection it offers, which side effects need advice, and how it fits with mosquito precautions and prophylaxis. Also ask where to obtain a blood test if fever develops after travel.