Malaria Prevention
Malaria is a potentially fatal parasitic illness transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. There is no vaccine approved for travellers; prevention relies on prescription antimalarial medication combined with strict mosquito-bite prevention.
What it protects against
Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, P. knowlesi — parasites that cause malaria.
Who should get it
- •Travellers to malaria-endemic areas (sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, South/Central America)
- •Pregnant travellers (with careful drug selection)
- •Visitors to rural/jungle regions of malaria-risk countries
Not recommended for
- •Each drug has specific contraindications — our physician reviews carefully
- •Doxycycline: children under 8, pregnancy
- •Mefloquine: history of depression, anxiety, seizures
Destinations where Malaria is recommended
Full destination guides for Malaria travel
Explore our country guides — each covers the full vaccine plan, malaria risk, local health considerations, and FAQs.
Side effects & safety
- Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil): well-tolerated; occasional nausea or vivid dreams
- Doxycycline: sun sensitivity, upset stomach, not for pregnancy
- Mefloquine: rarely neuropsychiatric effects — not used in people with depression or anxiety
Key facts
- 1There is no "malaria vaccine" for travellers — prevention is pill-based
- 2Mosquito-bite prevention (DEET, long sleeves, bed nets) is equally important
- 3Drug choice depends on destination, duration, health, and cost
Get vaccinated at our Toronto travel clinic
Book a virtual consultation with our ISTM CTH® physicians, then visit our Toronto pharmacy for vaccination. We serve patients from across the GTA — including Mississauga, Etobicoke, and across Toronto.
Need the malaria prevention for your trip?
Book a virtual consultation with a licensed Canadian physician. We'll review your itinerary, issue the prescription, and administer the vaccine at our Toronto pharmacy.
Book your consultationFrequently asked: Malaria Prevention
Which malaria medication is best?
For most Canadian travellers, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is the first-line choice — well-tolerated, daily dosing, only 7 days post-trip required. Doxycycline is a cheaper alternative. Mefloquine is reserved for longer trips and is avoided in travellers with a mental-health history.
Do I need malaria medication for all of Africa?
Almost all of sub-Saharan Africa requires malaria prophylaxis. North African countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt) are largely malaria-free.
Can I just use mosquito repellent instead?
No — mosquito-bite prevention alone is not sufficient in high-transmission areas. Medication plus prevention is the standard of care.
Explore other travel vaccines
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Recommendations vary based on your health history, destination, and planned activities. A consultation with our licensed physician is required before any prescription or vaccine is issued.