Eerste malariavaccin: een mijlpaal op weg naar beter

RTS,S is the first vaccine to have received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) under Article 58, for vaccination of young children aged from 6 weeks up to 17 months against malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and against hepatitis B. Although vaccine efficacy is modest and wanes rapidly, a substantial number of cases of clinical malaria can be averted, particularly in settings with high disease burden. Further evaluations are needed regarding safety, and more specifically regarding efficacy against severe malaria and mortality. The current formulation, however, is a milestone as a gold standard and represents a basis for further required improvements. Evaluation of the benefits, risks and feasibility are anticipated at global and national levels.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.