The significance seems to be that it shows real-world results from a malaria vaccine that’s only moderately effective:
> In clinical trial results published in 2015, RTS,S showed 36.3% efficacy against clinical malaria a median of 4 years after toddlers were vaccinated.
Some possible side-effects seem to be ruled out:
> Giving RTS,S to 5-month-olds to 24-month-olds did not hurt the uptake of other childhood vaccines, which had been a concern. And it didn’t cause a decline in bed net use due to a false sense of security.
> In clinical trial results published in 2015, RTS,S showed 36.3% efficacy against clinical malaria a median of 4 years after toddlers were vaccinated.
Some possible side-effects seem to be ruled out:
> Giving RTS,S to 5-month-olds to 24-month-olds did not hurt the uptake of other childhood vaccines, which had been a concern. And it didn’t cause a decline in bed net use due to a false sense of security.