Malaria Vaccine and Travel Advice in London
Malaria Vaccine and Travel Advice in London
Malaria Vaccine and Travel Advice in London
There is no routine malaria vaccine for UK travellers. Get clear advice on malaria tablets, bite prevention and destination risk at Kensington Clinics.
There is no routine malaria vaccine for UK travellers. Get clear advice on malaria tablets, bite prevention and destination risk at Kensington Clinics.
There is no routine malaria vaccine for UK travellers. Get clear advice on malaria tablets, bite prevention and destination risk at Kensington Clinics.
Travel health advice
Malaria
Malaria
Spread by
Mosquitoes
Consultations are £25 and redeemable against any vaccine course on the day. Same-week appointments available for most travellers.
Consultations are £25 and redeemable against any vaccine course on the day. Same-week appointments available for most travellers.
Malaria advice before you travel
Malaria advice before you travel
Malaria advice before you travel
Most travellers asking about a malaria vaccine are really asking two things: whether malaria is a risk on their route, and what they should do before they go. At Kensington Clinics in central London, we assess your destination, dates, accommodation and medical history, then talk through malaria tablets and bite prevention in plain English. No theatre. Just the facts that affect your trip.
Most travellers asking about a malaria vaccine are really asking two things: whether malaria is a risk on their route, and what they should do before they go. At Kensington Clinics in central London, we assess your destination, dates, accommodation and medical history, then talk through malaria tablets and bite prevention in plain English. No theatre. Just the facts that affect your trip.
Most travellers asking about a malaria vaccine are really asking two things: whether malaria is a risk on their route, and what they should do before they go. At Kensington Clinics in central London, we assess your destination, dates, accommodation and medical history, then talk through malaria tablets and bite prevention in plain English. No theatre. Just the facts that affect your trip.
A mosquito-borne parasite that can become urgent quickly
A mosquito-borne parasite that can become urgent quickly
A mosquito-borne parasite that can become urgent quickly
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites passed on through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Several species infect humans, but Plasmodium falciparum is the one most linked with severe illness and death, especially in parts of Africa. The first symptoms can look disappointingly ordinary: fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, abdominal discomfort and sometimes diarrhoea or cough. With falciparum malaria, illness can worsen fast if treatment is delayed. Other types, such as P. vivax and P. ovale, can appear weeks or months later because the parasite may sit quietly in the liver before causing symptoms. For travellers, malaria is not only a rural backpacking problem. Risk can occur in villages, towns, forested areas, some cities, airport stops and overnight journeys. Mosquitoes may bite at dusk, overnight, at dawn and, in some settings, during the day. Any fever during travel or up to a year after returning from a malaria area needs urgent medical assessment.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites passed on through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Several species infect humans, but Plasmodium falciparum is the one most linked with severe illness and death, especially in parts of Africa. The first symptoms can look disappointingly ordinary: fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, abdominal discomfort and sometimes diarrhoea or cough. With falciparum malaria, illness can worsen fast if treatment is delayed. Other types, such as P. vivax and P. ovale, can appear weeks or months later because the parasite may sit quietly in the liver before causing symptoms. For travellers, malaria is not only a rural backpacking problem. Risk can occur in villages, towns, forested areas, some cities, airport stops and overnight journeys. Mosquitoes may bite at dusk, overnight, at dawn and, in some settings, during the day. Any fever during travel or up to a year after returning from a malaria area needs urgent medical assessment.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites passed on through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Several species infect humans, but Plasmodium falciparum is the one most linked with severe illness and death, especially in parts of Africa. The first symptoms can look disappointingly ordinary: fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, abdominal discomfort and sometimes diarrhoea or cough. With falciparum malaria, illness can worsen fast if treatment is delayed. Other types, such as P. vivax and P. ovale, can appear weeks or months later because the parasite may sit quietly in the liver before causing symptoms. For travellers, malaria is not only a rural backpacking problem. Risk can occur in villages, towns, forested areas, some cities, airport stops and overnight journeys. Mosquitoes may bite at dusk, overnight, at dawn and, in some settings, during the day. Any fever during travel or up to a year after returning from a malaria area needs urgent medical assessment.
No routine traveller’s malaria vaccine
No routine traveller’s malaria vaccine
No routine traveller’s malaria vaccine
There is currently no commercially available malaria vaccine used routinely for UK travellers. If you were hoping for a single jab, the honest answer is that malaria prevention usually means tablets, mosquito avoidance and knowing when to seek medical care. Malaria tablets are chosen after a travel health assessment. Common options include atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine, but the right choice is not the same for everyone. Some tablets are started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria area; others need to begin earlier. Depending on the medicine, you may also need to keep taking tablets for 1 to 4 weeks after leaving the risk area. Suitability depends on your destination, age, weight, pregnancy status, medical conditions, allergies and regular medicines. Children can take malaria prevention when assessed individually. Side effects also vary by medicine, from stomach upset to sun sensitivity or sleep and mood effects in some people. None of the options gives complete protection, so repellents, clothing and sleeping arrangements still matter.
There is currently no commercially available malaria vaccine used routinely for UK travellers. If you were hoping for a single jab, the honest answer is that malaria prevention usually means tablets, mosquito avoidance and knowing when to seek medical care. Malaria tablets are chosen after a travel health assessment. Common options include atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine, but the right choice is not the same for everyone. Some tablets are started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria area; others need to begin earlier. Depending on the medicine, you may also need to keep taking tablets for 1 to 4 weeks after leaving the risk area. Suitability depends on your destination, age, weight, pregnancy status, medical conditions, allergies and regular medicines. Children can take malaria prevention when assessed individually. Side effects also vary by medicine, from stomach upset to sun sensitivity or sleep and mood effects in some people. None of the options gives complete protection, so repellents, clothing and sleeping arrangements still matter.
There is currently no commercially available malaria vaccine used routinely for UK travellers. If you were hoping for a single jab, the honest answer is that malaria prevention usually means tablets, mosquito avoidance and knowing when to seek medical care. Malaria tablets are chosen after a travel health assessment. Common options include atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine, but the right choice is not the same for everyone. Some tablets are started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria area; others need to begin earlier. Depending on the medicine, you may also need to keep taking tablets for 1 to 4 weeks after leaving the risk area. Suitability depends on your destination, age, weight, pregnancy status, medical conditions, allergies and regular medicines. Children can take malaria prevention when assessed individually. Side effects also vary by medicine, from stomach upset to sun sensitivity or sleep and mood effects in some people. None of the options gives complete protection, so repellents, clothing and sleeping arrangements still matter.
Where malaria prevention is commonly considered
Where malaria prevention is commonly considered
Where malaria prevention is commonly considered
Malaria risk is highest across much of sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. West Africa is particularly important for UK travellers visiting friends and relatives, who account for a large share of imported malaria cases. Risk also exists in parts of South Asia, South East Asia, Central and South America, Hispaniola, selected Middle Eastern areas and parts of Oceania. Examples include some areas of India and Pakistan, forest or border regions in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Malaysian Borneo, and Amazon regions of Brazil, Peru and Colombia. The recommendation can change with season, altitude, city versus rural travel, length of stay and accommodation. A two-night city meeting and a six-week family visit may not need the same plan.
Malaria risk is highest across much of sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. West Africa is particularly important for UK travellers visiting friends and relatives, who account for a large share of imported malaria cases. Risk also exists in parts of South Asia, South East Asia, Central and South America, Hispaniola, selected Middle Eastern areas and parts of Oceania. Examples include some areas of India and Pakistan, forest or border regions in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Malaysian Borneo, and Amazon regions of Brazil, Peru and Colombia. The recommendation can change with season, altitude, city versus rural travel, length of stay and accommodation. A two-night city meeting and a six-week family visit may not need the same plan.
Malaria risk is highest across much of sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. West Africa is particularly important for UK travellers visiting friends and relatives, who account for a large share of imported malaria cases. Risk also exists in parts of South Asia, South East Asia, Central and South America, Hispaniola, selected Middle Eastern areas and parts of Oceania. Examples include some areas of India and Pakistan, forest or border regions in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Malaysian Borneo, and Amazon regions of Brazil, Peru and Colombia. The recommendation can change with season, altitude, city versus rural travel, length of stay and accommodation. A two-night city meeting and a six-week family visit may not need the same plan.
Bring your route, dates and medical details
Bring your route, dates and medical details
Bring your route, dates and medical details
There is no routine malaria vaccine for UK travellers, so the priority is the right tablets and solid bite-avoidance advice for your specific route. Kensington Clinics can assess your destination risk and prescribe antimalarials where appropriate from our South Kensington and Hammersmith pharmacies. Call 020 7589 4186 or 020 7603 4761 to book.
There is no routine malaria vaccine for UK travellers, so the priority is the right tablets and solid bite-avoidance advice for your specific route. Kensington Clinics can assess your destination risk and prescribe antimalarials where appropriate from our South Kensington and Hammersmith pharmacies. Call 020 7589 4186 or 020 7603 4761 to book.
There is no routine malaria vaccine for UK travellers, so the priority is the right tablets and solid bite-avoidance advice for your specific route. Kensington Clinics can assess your destination risk and prescribe antimalarials where appropriate from our South Kensington and Hammersmith pharmacies. Call 020 7589 4186 or 020 7603 4761 to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this vaccine.
Common questions about this vaccine.
Common questions about this vaccine.
How early should I book malaria advice before travelling?
How early should I book malaria advice before travelling?
How early should I book malaria advice before travelling?
Four to six weeks before travel is a useful window, especially if you need several vaccines as well as malaria tablets. If you are leaving sooner, still book. Some antimalarial medicines can be started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria area, while others need more lead time.
Four to six weeks before travel is a useful window, especially if you need several vaccines as well as malaria tablets. If you are leaving sooner, still book. Some antimalarial medicines can be started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria area, while others need more lead time.
Four to six weeks before travel is a useful window, especially if you need several vaccines as well as malaria tablets. If you are leaving sooner, still book. Some antimalarial medicines can be started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria area, while others need more lead time.
Can I get a malaria vaccine in London?
Can I get a malaria vaccine in London?
Can I get a malaria vaccine in London?
There is no routine commercially available malaria vaccine for UK travellers at present. A travel clinic appointment focuses on destination risk, malaria tablets where appropriate, and mosquito bite avoidance. If a clinic promises a standard malaria jab for travellers, ask exactly what product they mean.
There is no routine commercially available malaria vaccine for UK travellers at present. A travel clinic appointment focuses on destination risk, malaria tablets where appropriate, and mosquito bite avoidance. If a clinic promises a standard malaria jab for travellers, ask exactly what product they mean.
There is no routine commercially available malaria vaccine for UK travellers at present. A travel clinic appointment focuses on destination risk, malaria tablets where appropriate, and mosquito bite avoidance. If a clinic promises a standard malaria jab for travellers, ask exactly what product they mean.
Do I need malaria tablets for Ghana or Nigeria?
Do I need malaria tablets for Ghana or Nigeria?
Do I need malaria tablets for Ghana or Nigeria?
Malaria tablets are commonly advised for many trips to Ghana and Nigeria, but the recommendation still needs a proper assessment. Your length of stay, accommodation, rural travel, previous medical history and current medicines all matter. Visiting friends and relatives can carry particular risk because stays are often longer and may include local residential areas.
Malaria tablets are commonly advised for many trips to Ghana and Nigeria, but the recommendation still needs a proper assessment. Your length of stay, accommodation, rural travel, previous medical history and current medicines all matter. Visiting friends and relatives can carry particular risk because stays are often longer and may include local residential areas.
Malaria tablets are commonly advised for many trips to Ghana and Nigeria, but the recommendation still needs a proper assessment. Your length of stay, accommodation, rural travel, previous medical history and current medicines all matter. Visiting friends and relatives can carry particular risk because stays are often longer and may include local residential areas.
Can children or pregnant women take malaria tablets?
Can children or pregnant women take malaria tablets?
Can children or pregnant women take malaria tablets?
Children can be prescribed malaria prevention after an individual assessment, usually taking age and weight into account. Pregnancy needs careful handling because malaria can be more severe in pregnant travellers, and avoiding travel to malarious areas may be advised where possible. If travel is unavoidable, specialist travel health advice is sensible before booking flights.
Children can be prescribed malaria prevention after an individual assessment, usually taking age and weight into account. Pregnancy needs careful handling because malaria can be more severe in pregnant travellers, and avoiding travel to malarious areas may be advised where possible. If travel is unavoidable, specialist travel health advice is sensible before booking flights.
Children can be prescribed malaria prevention after an individual assessment, usually taking age and weight into account. Pregnancy needs careful handling because malaria can be more severe in pregnant travellers, and avoiding travel to malarious areas may be advised where possible. If travel is unavoidable, specialist travel health advice is sensible before booking flights.
What should I do if I get a fever after visiting a malaria area?
What should I do if I get a fever after visiting a malaria area?
What should I do if I get a fever after visiting a malaria area?
Seek urgent medical advice the same day and tell the clinician exactly where you travelled, even if the trip was months ago. Malaria can appear after you return to the UK, and some types may present late. Do not rely on having taken tablets as proof that malaria is impossible.
Seek urgent medical advice the same day and tell the clinician exactly where you travelled, even if the trip was months ago. Malaria can appear after you return to the UK, and some types may present late. Do not rely on having taken tablets as proof that malaria is impossible.
Seek urgent medical advice the same day and tell the clinician exactly where you travelled, even if the trip was months ago. Malaria can appear after you return to the UK, and some types may present late. Do not rely on having taken tablets as proof that malaria is impossible.