Travel consult · 4.9 stars from 202 Google reviews
Malaria pills for travel in Calgary
There's no malaria vaccine available in Canada, so prevention means pills plus avoiding mosquito bites. Malaria pills are prescribed before your trip and taken before, during and after it. Book a travel consult with Wessam Sakr in NW Calgary.
How malaria pills work
From the Government of Canada's malaria prevention page.
- None available in Canada
- Prescribed before your trip
- Before, during and after your travels
- About 6 weeks before you travel
Where malaria is a risk
Malaria comes from the bite of an infected mosquito. MyHealth Alberta says it's most often found in Africa, Southern Asia, Central America and South America.
Canadians at the highest risk are usually those visiting friends and relatives, and having had malaria before doesn't stop you getting it again.
Avoiding bites is the other half
The pills don't replace bite prevention. MyHealth Alberta recommends:
Stay in after dark
In a screened or air-conditioned room.
Cover up
Long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Use repellent
20 to 30% DEET or 20% icaridin. Children 6 months to 12 years should use icaridin instead of DEET.
Sleep under a treated net
Bed nets treated with permethrin or deltamethrin.
Who you'll see
Wessam Sakr, BScPharm, RPh
Certified Bariatric Educator, Obesity CanadaCertified Diabetes Educator, Diabetes CanadaOver nine years of patient care
Wessam owns the pharmacy and works in it. In the travel consult he'll look at your route, your health and your medications, then go through the options with you.
What travellers say
Rated 4.9 from 202 Google reviews (November 2026). Reviewers often call Wessam "Sam". These are about travel visits here in general.
Hilltop Ladies · March 2026
Sam was very helpful guiding us through what vaccines and medications we needed for our trip to Africa. Pleasant experience overall
Jacky Chow · March 2026
I received a very thorough consult from the pharmacist about what vaccines and medications I should consider for my trip. The staff are very kind and knowledgeable.
STW · August 2024
Came here for travel related vaccines and medicine. Sam is a patient, kind, and welcoming pharmacist that cares about your well being. Highly recommend.
Common questions
Do I need a prescription for malaria pills?
Yes. Malaria pills are prescribed before your trip. Book a travel consult and the pharmacist will go through which option suits your trip and your health.
When should I start malaria pills?
Before you leave, and you keep taking them during and after your trip. How long before and after depends on which one you're prescribed.
Is there a malaria vaccine?
There's currently no malaria vaccine available in Canada. Prevention is pills plus avoiding mosquito bites.
How far ahead should I book?
The Government of Canada suggests seeing a health care provider or travel clinic about 6 weeks before you travel.