A vaccine for malaria now exists and is being used in some countries

Yes. A vaccine called RTS,S (brand name Mosquirix) was approved by the World Health Organization in 2021 and is now being given to children in several African countries where malaria is common. A second vaccine, R21 (brand name Arlukynd), was approved in 2023. Both vaccines reduce the risk of malaria infection in young children, though they do not prevent it completely.

For most people reading this in the United States or Europe, these vaccines are not yet part of routine childhood immunization schedules. They are being rolled out primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria causes the most deaths. If you are traveling to a malaria-risk area or live in one, your doctor can tell you whether the vaccine is available where you are and whether it makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • RTS,S and R21 are real vaccines that reduce malaria risk in children, approved by the World Health Organization and now in use in parts of Africa.
  • These vaccines do not provide complete protection — they lower the chance of infection by roughly 30 to 40 percent, so other prevention methods still matter.
  • The vaccines are given as a series of shots over several months, starting when a child is around 5 months old.
  • If you are traveling to a malaria area or live in one, talk to your doctor about whether the vaccine is available and whether antimalarial medications might also be recommended.

How the malaria vaccines work

Both RTS,S and R21 work by training your immune system to recognize and fight the malaria parasite before it can take hold in your body. They target a stage of the parasite's life cycle that occurs when an infected mosquito bites you. The vaccine does not stop the mosquito from biting or prevent the parasite from entering your bloodstream — instead, it helps your body's defenses destroy the parasite quickly, before it can multiply and cause illness.

Think of it like teaching your immune system to spot an intruder. Without the vaccine, your body has never seen the malaria parasite before, so it takes time to mount a defense. By then, the parasite has already spread. With the vaccine, your immune system recognizes the threat immediately and acts faster.

How much protection do these vaccines provide

RTS,S reduces the risk of malaria infection by about 30 to 40 percent in children who receive the full series. R21 shows similar protection levels in the studies done so far. This is meaningful — it prevents many cases — but it is not the same as vaccines for diseases like measles or polio, which stop infection in 95 percent or more of vaccinated people.

Because protection is partial, vaccinated children can still get malaria. This is why the vaccine is used alongside other prevention methods, not instead of them. If you or your child receive the vaccine, you still need to use bed nets, wear insect repellent, and take antimalarial medications if your doctor recommends them.

Who is getting the malaria vaccine now

RTS,S and R21 are being given to children in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and others. The vaccines are part of national immunization programs in these countries, meaning they are offered to children as part of routine childhood shots. The World Health Organization recommended both vaccines for children living in areas where malaria transmission is moderate to high.

In the United States and most developed countries, these vaccines are not yet part of standard childhood immunization schedules. They may be available through travel medicine clinics if you are planning a trip to a malaria-risk area, but this varies by location and clinic. If you are traveling or moving to a malaria region, contact your doctor or a travel health clinic to find out what is available where you are.

The vaccine schedule and side effects

RTS,S is given as four shots: three doses given one month apart, starting when a child is around 5 months old, followed by a booster dose about 18 months later. R21 uses a similar schedule. The shots are injected into the arm or leg, just like other childhood vaccines.

Side effects are generally mild. The most common reactions are soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, and fever or fussiness in the hours or days after the shot. Serious side effects are rare. As with all vaccines, your doctor or nurse will watch for any unexpected reactions and can answer questions about what to expect.

Other ways to prevent malaria while traveling or living in risk areas

The malaria vaccine is one tool, but it works best as part of a complete prevention plan. Antimalarial medications — pills taken before, during, and after travel — are still the most reliable way to prevent infection in adults and travelers. Your doctor can prescribe medications like atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine depending on which malaria parasites are present in the area you are visiting and your personal health history.

Physical barriers are equally important. Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net, wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes bite most, and use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin. Mosquito control in your home — screens on windows, air conditioning, or indoor spraying — also reduces risk. If you are living in a malaria area long-term, combining the vaccine with these methods gives the best protection.

What happens if you get malaria despite vaccination or prevention

Malaria is treatable with antimalarial medications if caught early. If you have been vaccinated or taking prevention medications and still develop symptoms — fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue — seek medical care immediately and tell your doctor that you have been in a malaria area. A blood test can confirm whether you have malaria, and treatment can begin right away.

Early treatment is important because malaria can become severe quickly. With prompt care, most cases of malaria can be cured. This is why prevention matters: it reduces your risk, but it does not eliminate the need to watch for symptoms and get tested if you feel ill after potential exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can adults get the malaria vaccine?

RTS,S and R21 were tested and approved for children, not adults. If you are an adult traveling to a malaria area, your doctor will likely recommend antimalarial medications instead. Talk to a travel medicine clinic about what prevention is right for your trip.

Do I still need antimalarial pills if I get the vaccine?

That depends on where you are going and your doctor's assessment. In countries where the vaccine is part of routine childhood immunization, children may not need additional medications. If you are a traveler or an adult, your doctor may recommend antimalarial pills even if the vaccine is available, because the pills offer stronger protection.

How long does the vaccine's protection last?

Protection from RTS,S appears to decrease over time, which is why a booster dose is given about 18 months after the first three shots. Long-term protection is still being studied. If you are traveling years after vaccination, ask your doctor whether a booster or antimalarial medications are recommended.

Is the malaria vaccine safe for babies?

RTS,S can be given starting at 5 months of age. It has been tested in thousands of children in Africa and has a safety record similar to other childhood vaccines. Serious side effects are uncommon. Your doctor can discuss any specific concerns about your child's health.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding — can I get the vaccine?

The malaria vaccines have not been tested in pregnant people, so they are not recommended during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor — some sources suggest the vaccine may be safe, but guidance varies. Antimalarial medications are a safer option during pregnancy and breastfeeding if you must travel to a malaria area.