Malaria Lariam Vaccination

The Lariam vaccine, or Mefloquine, is recommended for individuals traveling to regions where malaria is prevalent, particularly in areas with chloroquine-resistant strains of the malaria parasite. Some of the countries where the Lariam vaccine is commonly recommended include:

• Sub-Saharan African countries (e.g., Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania)

• Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar)

• South American countries (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Colombia)

• Indian subcontinent (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)

These regions experience high rates of malaria transmission, making Lariam vaccination an essential preventive measure for travellers at risk of exposure.

Travelling to Malaria-Endemic Areas
Travellers to regions where malaria is prevalent, particularly in rural or remote areas with limited access to medical care, should consider Lariam vaccination to reduce their risk of malaria infection.

Limited Access to Other Preventive Measures
For individuals unable to take other antimalarial medications due to contraindications or resistance, Lariam vaccination may be a suitable alternative for malaria prevention.

Planning to Travel for an Extended Period
Travellers planning to stay in malaria-endemic areas for an extended period, such as expatriates or aid workers, may benefit from Lariam vaccination, as it provides long-lasting protection against malaria infection.

Risk of Malaria Infection
Without vaccination or other preventive measures, individuals remain susceptible to malaria infection, which can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and flu-like illness, and may progress to severe complications, including organ failure and death.

Limited Treatment Options
Malaria can progress rapidly and require prompt medical intervention. Prevention through vaccination is crucial, as treatment options for severe malaria cases are limited, and outcomes can be devastating, particularly in remote or resource-limited settings.

Impact on Travel Plans
Contracting malaria during travel can disrupt travel plans, lead to significant discomfort and illness, and require medical evacuation or hospitalisation, resulting in additional expenses and logistical challenges.

The Lariam vaccine, or Mefloquine, is typically administered as a series of doses:

Primary Vaccination
The recommended dosing regimen for Lariam vaccination varies depending on individual factors such as age, weight, and duration of travel. It often involves taking a weekly dose of Lariam starting 1-2 weeks before travel, continuing throughout the duration of travel, and for 4 weeks after leaving malaria-endemic areas.