Including Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and Mozambique
At Ingrave Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, our independent prescriber-led travel clinic provides antimalarial prescriptions custom to your specific trip, your destination, and your health profile.
Book your appointment online or by phone four to six weeks before traveling.
Attend a consultation where our prescriber reviews your travel plans and medical health history.
Receive your prescription and medication during your visit with clear instructions on usage.
Malaria is a serious infection spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms can appear between seven days and several months after exposure, which is why early diagnosis and prevention matter.
Malaria is present in many parts of the world, and the risk level varies by region and season. Antimalarial tablets are typically recommended for travel to the following areas:
Our prescriber checks current UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and TravelHealthPro guidance at the time of your consultation to give you up-to-date advice.
Antimalarial tablets are an important part of malaria prevention, but they work best when combined with practical bite-avoidance measures. Here is what we recommend alongside your medication:
We stock and prescribe the three antimalarials most commonly recommended for UK travellers. Each works differently, and the right choice depends on your destination, trip length, and medical history.
Malarone is taken once daily, starting one to two days before travel, and continued for seven days after returning. It is well tolerated by most people and is suitable for short trips. It is the most commonly prescribed option for travellers to high-risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that also provides antimalarial protection. It is taken daily, starting two days before travel, and continued for four weeks after returning. It is a cost-effective option and is suitable for most destinations. It must be taken with food and avoidance of direct sunlight is recommended.
Mefloquine is a once-weekly medication for longer trips, requiring a start date two to three weeks before travel. It is unsuitable for those with a history of seizures or mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or psychosis. Please discuss your medical history with your prescriber.
Your consultation at Ingrave Pharmacy is led by our Independent Prescriber, Christopher Okworu, who has a special interest in travel medicine. He will ask about your destination, planned activities, duration of travel, and medical history, including any current medications.
The prescription is issued and dispensed at the same appointment in most cases. You do not need to visit your GP first.
Starting your antimalarial preparation early makes a real difference to how effectively your medication works. Here is why it pays to plan ahead:
Some medications, such as mefloquine, need to be started two to three weeks before travel to reach effective levels in your system.
If an initial medication causes side effects, booking early gives you time to switch to an alternative before your departure date.
Choosing the right antimalarial requires a proper review of your itinerary and health. A last-minute consultation does not allow for that.
Many travellers visiting malaria-risk destinations also need travel vaccinations. Booking both together at our travel clinic saves time
Our superintendent is a qualified Independent Prescriber with a special interest in travel medicine. You receive clinical-grade advice, not a general consultation.
You can book directly with us and receive your antimalarial prescription in a single visit. There is no waiting for a GP appointment before your trip.
We hold registered Yellow Fever centre status, one of a limited number of pharmacies in Essex to do so. Our travel medicine credentials go beyond standard community pharmacy.
Your consultation, prescription, and medication are all handled in one appointment. You leave with your tablets in hand and clear instructions on how to take them.
Ingrave Pharmacy has been part of this community for over two decades. Our Google reviews reflect the trust local patients place in the care we provide.
Alongside antimalarials, we offer travel vaccinations, altitude sickness treatment, jet lag advice, and Yellow Fever certificates. You can prepare for your entire trip in one place.
We are conveniently located in Ingrave and provide pharmacy services to patients across the wider Brentwood district and beyond.
No. As an Independent Prescriber, our pharmacist can assess your suitability and issue a prescription directly, without a GP referral or appointment.
Ideally four to six weeks before travel. Some medications require lead time to start, and early booking also allows time to address any side effects before you depart.
Some antimalarials interact with other medicines (e.g., mefloquine with heart-rhythm medications, or doxycycline with oral typhoid and cholera vaccines). Your prescriber will review your current medications during your consultation to identify any potential risks.
Certain antimalarials are not suitable for young children or during pregnancy. Our prescriber will carry out a full assessment to identify the safest option for your situation.
It depends on the medication. Missing doses of daily antimalarials can reduce their effectiveness. Your prescriber will give you written instructions on what to do if a dose is missed before you leave the pharmacy.
Do not leave malaria prevention to chance. Ingrave Pharmacy and Travel Clinic offers prescriber-led antimalarial consultations for travellers across Brentwood and Essex.
