RTS, S by the brand name -Mosquirix is the only WHO-recommended malaria vaccine for children. While the research for other malaria vaccines is still active, the trials have shown the highest efficacy rate of 77% for the vaccine- R21/Matrix-M.
Malaria is neither caused by viruses nor bacteria; the causative agent for malaria is Parasite namely Plasmodium falciparum, which spreads through infected mosquitoes.
In October 2021, WHO first recommended large-scale use of malaria vaccine for children living in Africa in areas of moderate to high malaria transmission.
The malaria vaccine is provided in four doses in children from 5 months of age. The first three doses are given monthly and the last booster dose is given two years later than the last monthly dose.
According to the sources, India’s Bharat Biotech will be producing part of the world’s only malaria vaccine developed by GSK; however, it may take a couple of years before the vaccine is launched on the market for use.
(Reference: WHO official website. Hindustan times website)
