The malaria vaccine is currently available in over 20 African countries through routine childhood immunization programs, with more countries launching rollouts through 2025. It is not yet available for international travelers in the US, UK, or Europe. Where you can get it depends entirely on who needs it and where they live.
Who the Vaccine Is For
Both approved malaria vaccines target one goal: protecting young children living in areas where malaria transmission is moderate to high. The WHO recommends vaccination starting at around 5 months of age, given as a 4-dose series. In regions with highly seasonal transmission or where risk stays elevated into the third year of life, a 5th dose may be added one year after the fourth.
This means the vaccine is designed for children growing up in endemic areas, not for adult travelers visiting those areas temporarily. No country currently offers either approved malaria vaccine (RTS,S or R21) to travelers through clinics, pharmacies, or travel medicine centers.
Countries Offering the Vaccine Now
As of mid-2025, 22 countries have introduced a malaria vaccine into their national immunization programs, with at least three more expected to begin before the end of the year. Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi were the pioneers, launching a large-scale pilot program in 2019. Since then, rollout has expanded significantly across sub-Saharan Africa.
Countries that have already begun nationwide distribution include Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. Uganda started distributing over 2.2 million doses of the R21 vaccine to 105 districts in March 2025, integrating it alongside existing malaria prevention tools like insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying. Burundi launched the RTS,S vaccine that same month as part of its routine immunization schedule for children under five.
Zambia is preparing for a national rollout targeting children under two across all provinces, expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Togo are all preparing for subnational introductions with phased implementation later in 2025.
Where Vaccines Are Given Within Each Country
In every country that has launched the malaria vaccine, it’s delivered through the existing routine immunization system. That means the same health facilities where children receive other childhood vaccines, typically government health centers, maternal and child health clinics, and community health posts. You don’t need to visit a specialized facility or a private clinic. If your child is already receiving routine vaccinations, the malaria vaccine is offered at the same visits in eligible areas.
In some countries, rollout is nationwide. In others, it’s limited to regions where malaria transmission is highest. If you’re in an area where the vaccine hasn’t been introduced yet, your local health center can tell you whether your district is included in the current phase of distribution.
Two Vaccines, Similar Protection
Two malaria vaccines are approved for use: RTS,S (sometimes called Mosquirix) and R21 (paired with an immune-boosting ingredient called Matrix-M). Both target the most dangerous malaria parasite, P. falciparum, which causes the vast majority of malaria deaths in children.
In large clinical trials across Africa, R21 reduced episodes of clinical malaria by 72% in the first year after vaccination. RTS,S reduced episodes by 55% over the same period. Both require multiple doses to build full protection. Which vaccine a country uses depends on supply agreements and national health planning, but the WHO considers both suitable options. Parents in countries offering the vaccine generally receive whichever one their national program has procured.
Cost and Funding
For families in countries where the vaccine has been introduced, it’s free. National immunization programs, supported by Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and UNICEF, cover the cost. A recent pricing agreement brought the cost of the R21 vaccine down to about $2.99 per dose, a deal expected to save up to $90 million and help protect an additional 7 million children by the end of the decade.
This pricing applies to Gavi-supported countries, which are low-income nations eligible for subsidized vaccines. There is no private market or out-of-pocket option for travelers or adults in higher-income countries.
Options for Travelers
If you’re an adult planning travel to a malaria-endemic region, the malaria vaccine is not an option for you right now. Neither the CDC nor any European health authority has approved these vaccines for use in travelers. More than a dozen additional malaria vaccine candidates are in clinical development, but none are currently available outside of childhood immunization programs in endemic countries.
For travel protection, the standard approach remains antimalarial medication prescribed before, during, and after your trip, combined with mosquito bite prevention: insecticide-treated nets, long sleeves and pants in the evening, and DEET-based repellents. Your travel medicine provider can recommend the right antimalarial drug based on your destination, trip length, and medical history.