What is malaria?
Malaria is a tropical disease caused by parasites that's spread through infected mosquitos when they bite. Anyone travelling to an area affected by malaria may be at risk. Malaria symptoms can appear at any time from within a week to a year after an initial bite and the infection can be fatal. Symptoms can include:
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
Pregnant women, children, older people and those with a weakened immune system may develop complications if they get malaria.
How can Boots help?
We can provide malaria prevention medicine*, including access to prescription only medicine, and advice before you travel. You can access our online service or book an appointment for the in-store service by visiting the store or booking an appointment online. You can't use the online service if you are travelling in the next 10 days, but we may still be able to help you in store.
If the medication is suitable for you, you'll be supplied with what you need to help you stay protected against malaria. You'll be told when and how to take the medication and of any side effects you may experience.
*For people aged two and over. Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
How it works
Up-to-date protection
Even if you're revisiting an area, you should be aware that any malaria guidelines may have changed since your last trip so it's a good idea to check with a Boots pharmacist. People who grew up in a country where malaria can be caught should also take steps to protect themselves, as any natural immunity a person may have developed will quickly reduce when you leave a malaria risk area.
You should also consider whether you may need any travel vaccinations before you set off. Boots can provide these through the Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service.**
**Available in around 300 pharmacies. For people aged two and over. Eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
Benefits of the service
• Convenient: Available in over 2000 stores and online
• Flexible: Services may be accessed in the evenings or at weekends
• Points: Collect Boots Advantage Card points
The in-store or online consultation will take approximately 10 minutes.
Price
Prices subject to change. Prices correct at time of publication.
Price guide
Malaria Prevention Price Guide
| Price per tablet | Number of tablets required for 2 week trip | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) | £3.00 | 23 | £69.00 |
| Chloroquine | £0.23 | 14 | £3.22 |
| Doxycycline | £0.65 | 44 | £28.60 |
| Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) Paediatric | £1.37 | Dependent on weight of child | |
| Lariam (Mefloquine) | £4.28 | 9 | £38.52 |
| Duo pack - Proguanil and Chloroquine | n/a | 98/14 | £19.39 |
Online orders of antimalarials must be paid for when you place your order with a credit or a debit card. Unfortunately, you can't redeem Boots Advantage Card points against your order. Orders are delivered to your home free of charge. You can't order antimalarials online using our Order & Collect service. Prices subject to change. Prices correct at time of publication.
Online consultation
The online Malaria Prevention Service is hosted by Know Malaria, a third party provider. You'll be asked to create an account in order to start your consultation as you'll be unable to use your Boots login details.
In-store consultation
Related links
Travel Vaccinations & Health Advice Service
We can provide expert advice, vaccinations & malaria prevention that's tailored for your travel plans
Corporate Travel Vaccination Service
Offering your employees personalised travel health advice, including travel vaccinations and antimalarials
