Travel vaccine
Malaria Prevention (Antimalarial Tablets)
Prescription antimalarial tablets that lower your risk of catching malaria while travelling through affected regions.
Malaria and why prevention matters
Malaria is a serious and sometimes life-threatening illness caused by a parasite carried by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine offered routinely for travellers in the UK, so protection relies on two things working together: avoiding bites and taking the right antimalarial tablets. Symptoms often appear like flu, with fever, chills, sweating and headache, and they can develop days or even months after you have returned home.
How antimalarial tablets work
Antimalarials do not stop you being bitten. Instead, they stop the parasite from taking hold once it enters your body. The tablet that suits you depends on where you are going, how long you are staying, your medical history and any medicines you already take. Because resistance patterns differ from country to country, the choice is never one-size-fits-all, and the timing of when you start and stop the course really matters.
Bite avoidance still counts
Tablets reduce risk but do not remove it entirely, so pair them with sensible precautions. Use an insect repellent containing DEET, cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep under a treated mosquito net where rooms are not screened or air-conditioned.
Plan ahead with a travel consultation
Antimalarials should be matched to your exact itinerary, so book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, ideally several weeks before you fly. We will assess your destination and health, recommend a suitable course and explain exactly how to take it. To arrange an appointment, call 01270 215837 or pop into the pharmacy.
How it spreads
Spread through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which feed mainly between dusk and dawn.
Who should be vaccinated
Anyone travelling to malaria-risk areas of Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, Central and South America, or parts of the Middle East and Oceania.
Vaccination schedule
A course of tablets taken before, during and after your trip. Some need starting a couple of days ahead, others one to two weeks ahead, with the course continuing for up to four weeks after you return.
Possible side effects
Mild nausea, stomach upset, headache or, with some tablets, vivid dreams. Sun sensitivity can occur with certain options.
Regions where there is a risk
Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, Central and South America, Oceania.
Malaria Prevention (Antimalarial Tablets) — frequently asked questions
Who needs to take antimalarial tablets when travelling from Crewe?
Anyone heading to a malaria-risk area should consider antimalarial tablets, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, Central and South America, and Oceania. Risk varies by exact destination, season and the type of trip, so the tablet recommended for you depends on your itinerary. Book a travel consultation to confirm what suits your trip.
How many malaria tablets do I take and what is the schedule?
Malaria prevention is a full course of tablets taken before, during and after your trip rather than a single dose. Depending on which antimalarial is chosen, you start a couple of days or one to two weeks before you travel, take them throughout, then continue for up to four weeks after returning home. Finishing the whole course is essential for protection.
How soon before travel should I start malaria tablets?
Start malaria tablets before you leave, with the lead time depending on the tablet. Some need starting around one to two days ahead, while others must begin one to two weeks before departure so your body is protected on arrival. Because of this, it is best to arrange your travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy several weeks before you fly.
How long does malaria tablet protection last?
Antimalarial tablets only protect you while you are taking the course and for the period you continue them after your trip. They are not a long-term vaccine, so cover ends once the course finishes. For your next journey to a malaria area you will need a fresh course matched to that destination and timed correctly around your travel dates.
What are the common side effects of antimalarial tablets?
Most people tolerate antimalarials well, with any side effects usually mild. These can include nausea, stomach upset or headache, and some tablets may cause vivid dreams or increased sensitivity to the sun. Different options have different profiles, so during your consultation we will discuss which is likely to suit you best based on your health and history.
Are malaria tablets free on the NHS or private at Crewe Pharmacy?
Antimalarial tablets for travel are a private service and are not provided free on the NHS. At Crewe Pharmacy you can have a travel consultation and obtain a suitable course privately, tailored to your destination and medical history. To arrange this, call 01270 215837 or visit us at 139-141 Nantwich Road, Crewe.
How much does malaria prevention cost at Crewe Pharmacy?
Malaria prevention at Crewe Pharmacy starts from £50. The final cost depends on which antimalarial is recommended for you and the length of your trip, since the course must cover the days before, during and after travel. We will confirm the price during your consultation once we know your destination and how long you are away.
Do I still need precautions against mosquito bites if I take malaria tablets?
Yes, bite avoidance remains essential because tablets reduce risk but do not remove it entirely. Mosquitoes that spread malaria feed mainly between dusk and dawn, so use a DEET insect repellent, cover up in the evenings, and sleep under a treated net where rooms are not screened or air-conditioned. Tablets and bite prevention work best together.