User:Mr. Ibrahem/Malaria vaccine

A malaria vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent malaria. RTS,S (brand name Mosquirix), was the first approved and is in use in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa. It decreases the risk of malaria by 24 to 43% in the subsequent year after the third dose was given. It is unlikely to be useful for travelers. A second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, was approved in Nigeria and Ghana in 2023. Effectiveness of this second vaccine is about 77%. Both requires four injections.

RTS,S is used in children 6 weeks to 17 months old in areas of the world were Plasmodium falciparum is common. Common side effects include fever, irritability, and pain at the site of injection. A febrile seizure occurs in about 0.1% of those given the vaccine. There are concerns that if the fourth dose is missed, malaria related deaths may increase again. R21/Matrix-M is given to those 5 to 36 months old.

RTS,S was given a positive opinion by CHMP in 2015 and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021. GAVI is providing $US160 million between 2022 and 2025 for its roll out. R21/Matrix-M costs about $US3 per dose while RTS,S costs about $US6. R21/Matrix-M is the first vaccine to meet WHO's goal of at least 75% efficacy. In 2024 Cameroon plans to give start giving the vaccine to all children.