YOUR ONE‑STOP VACCINATION CLINIC

Malaria Prevention

YOUR ONE‑STOP VACCINATION CLINIC

Malaria Prevention

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medications. Private, same‑day appointments available at Balance Pharmacy & Travel Clinic.

Malaria Prevention Service

If you’re travelling to an area where malaria is present, it’s essential to protect yourself with the correct antimalarial medication and bite-prevention advice.

At Balance Pharmacy, our trained travel health team can advise on the most suitable malaria tablets for your destination, length of stay, medical history and budget.

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It can cause severe illness and even death if not prevented or treated promptly.

Balance Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01889 562 063

Email: info@balancepharmacy.co.uk

Uttoxeter | Staffordshire | ST14 8JG

Balance Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01889 562 063

Email: info@balancepharmacy.co.uk

Uttoxeter | Staffordshire | ST14 8JG

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 7–30 days after a bite and can include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Sweats
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Fatigue

  • In severe cases: confusion, seizures, breathing difficulties, organ failure

If you develop symptoms during or after travel (even months later), seek urgent medical care.

Use this map to identify areas of risk for travel

Call the clinic or send us an enquiry and our travel specialists will advise based on the latest guidance for your destination.

Why Malaria Prevention Matters

There is no malaria vaccine that fully prevents all forms of malaria for adult travellers. Medication is still the most reliable method to protect against severe disease.

Taking the correct antimalarial tablets does not stop mosquitoes biting, but it makes it far less likely that malaria can develop if you’re infected.

Malaria Tablets We Provide

We supply all commonly recommended antimalarial medications used in the UK:

Atovaquone/Proguanil (Generic Malarone)
Suitable for: Most travellers, including short trips


Taken: Once daily

Start: 1–2 days before entering the malaria area

Continue: During the trip

Stop: 7 days after leaving

  • Well tolerated

  • Short after-travel course

  • Safe for last-minute travellers
  • Stomach upset
  • Headache

  • Mouth ulcers (rare)

Doxycycline
Suitable for: Long trips, backpackers, last-minute travellers

Taken: Once daily
Start: 1–2 days before travel
Continue: During the trip
Stop: 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area

  • Affordable

  • Also protects against some other infections (e.g., tick-borne illnesses)

  • Sun sensitivity
  • Heartburn if taken without plenty of water

  • Stomach upset

Not suitable for: Pregnant people, breastfeeding, children under 12.

Mefloquine (Lariam)
Suitable for: Long trips, weekly dosing preferred

Taken: Once daily
Start: 10days before travel (to check tolerance)
Stop: 4 weeks after leaving the area

  • Weekly tablet

  • Good for long stays (maximum 12months can be given)

  • Vivid dreams
  • Mood or anxiety changes

  • Sleep disturbances

Not suitable for: Anyone with a history of mental health conditions, seizures, or certain heart issues.

Which Malaria Tablets Do I Need?

Your recommendation depends on:

  • Destination risk level
  • Duration of trip
  • Type of travel (city / rural / backpacking)

  • Your medical history

  • Budget
  • Previous side-effects from malaria tablets

Our pharmacist will assess all the above and ensure the safest and most effective option for you.

Mosquito Bite Prevention Tips

Medication alone isn’t enough—bite prevention is essential.

  • Use 50% DEET or recommended repellents
  • Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn
  • Sleep under a mosquito net (preferably treated with insecticide)
  • Choose accommodation with screened windows or air-conditioning

  • Avoid standing water near living areas

When to Book Your Appointment

You can book at any time, but ideally:

2–4 weeks before travel, especially if considering mefloquine (which must be started early)

Last-minute travellers can still receive medication—atovaquone/proguanil and doxycycline can be started 1–2 days before departure

We’re Waiting To Help You

Balance Pharmacy offers a wide range of travel vaccinations and tailored health advice. Contact us today to get you and your loved ones protected.

Quick appointments

Book quickly online or by phone — we aim to offer same‑day availability when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Personalised, professional travel advice based on your itinerary, medical history and latest guidance.

Competitive Pricing

Transparent prices and excellent value, without compromising on quality or care.

FAQs

Yes. Even one mosquito bite can transmit malaria. Short holidays still require protection.

Our pharmacist will check all interactions before prescribing.

Yes—atovaquone/proguanil is suitable for children (weight-based dosing). Doxycycline is not suitable for under-12s.

Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. Do not double-dose.

Possibly. Many resorts are located in high-risk areas. It’s destination-dependent.

Follow the required after-travel continuation period (7 days or 4 weeks depending on the medication).

Ready to Protect Yourself?

Book your malaria consultation today.

We’ll assess your travel plans and provide tailored advice and the correct medication for a safe, stress-free trip.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.