Malaria Prophylaxis

Currently there is no vaccination, however there is medication you can take that can dramatically reduce the chances of you contracting malaria.

The type of malaria tablets you will need to take will depend on a range of factors, such as the area visiting, the length of visit, your medical history and any medication you may currently be on.

Atovaquone plus proguanil (Malarone)

• Dosage – the adult dose is one adult-strength tablet a day and the child dose is also once a day, but the amount depends on the child’s weight. It should be started one or two days before your trip and taken every day that you are in a risk area, followed by seven days after you return.
• It is however more expensive than other antimalarials, so may be more suitable for short trips.

Doxycycline

• Dosage – the dose is one 100mg capsule daily. It should be started two days before your trip and taken each day that you are in a risk area, and for four weeks after you return.
• It is however not suitable for children under the age of 12 (because of the risk of permanent tooth discolouration).
• It is relatively cheap.

Mefloquine

• Dosage – the adult dose is one tablet weekly and child dosage is also once a week, but the amount will depend on their weight. It should be started three weeks before your trip and taken each week that you are in the risk area followed by for four weeks after you return.
• It is not recommended if you have epilepsy, seizures, depression or other mental health problems, or if a close relative has any of these conditions.
• If you haven’t taken mefloquine before, it is recommended that you do a three-week trial before your trip to see whether you develop any side effects.

Chloroquine and proguanil

• Only occasionally recommended for certain destinations such as India and Sri Lanka.