Post Image
Lately, people have wondered when the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to make international travel safe again. But don’t forget that before COVID-19, travellers had a list of vaccinations to take before coming to Nigeria.
Read more about Travel and Tourism
Nigeria isn’t the only country that insists all arriving travellers get vaccinated before entry. For instance, you’ll need a Yellow Fever Certificate when visiting countries such as Cameroun, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Egypt. Thus, you will need to show proof that you have been vaccinated against some diseases present in Nigeria. Here is a list of vaccinations to take before arriving in Nigeria:

Yellow Fever

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for all travellers above 9 months of age. Once you get vaccinated, the effects last for about 10 days. You have to wait till you have actually initiated plans to visit before taking it. A yellow fever certificate will be required from you as proof.

Polio

With a single adult booster, you are good to go. Just ensure your vaccine is up to date. There is a single vaccine called DTP that covers your protection from Diptera, Tetanus and Polio. Also, taking DTP once every 10 years can provide sufficient protection.

Hepatitis A & B

Most regions around the world require this vaccination, and Nigeria is no exception. While Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers, Hepatitis B vaccination is dependent on your individual circumstance.

Cholera

Visiting some parts of the country may also require you get vaccinated against cholera.

Meningitis

If you are visiting Nigeria during the dry season (from December till June), you might need a meningitis vaccination. Taking the meningococcal C & ACWY vaccine is dependent on your personal situation. Note, the vaccines only last for three years.

Typhoid

The typhoid fever vaccine is usually taken in oral form (4 capsules). It is approved for travellers, 6 years and above. The alternative is the injectable vaccine given as a single dose shot. It is reserved for children over 2 years and pregnant women and immunocompromised travellers.
Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter

Rabies

If you plan to visit Nigeria for a long time or have contact with animals during your visit, get a rabies shot. The pre-exposure vaccine is in three doses in a space of one week.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

This is a routine vaccine given in Nigeria. It is recommended for anyone who has never been vaccinated against it and born after 1957. So if you are visiting, a single adult booster is sufficient protection.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDAP)

To protect against all these diseases, only one adult booster against pertussis is necessary. It is a routine vaccination in Nigeria.

Chicken Pox

If you have never had chickenpox, make sure you get the vaccine. Anyone above one year of age can be susceptible to infection. Hence, it is recommended for anyone with no history of the previous infection. It is a routine vaccination in Nigeria.

Pneumonia

If you are above 65 years of age or immunocompromised, then you need to be vaccinated against this disease. You will need to take two vaccine shots separately. It is a routine vaccination in Nigeria.

Flu/Influenza

The components of flu vaccine change annually. If you are prone to flu infections, then you might need a flu shot before coming to Nigeria. Moreover, you’ll need a shot of malaria prophylaxis which is not a vaccine. Nigeria’s rainforest makes it impossible for you to not encounter mosquitoes. You might also need to get anti-malaria tablets, mosquito repellent, sleeping nets and insecticide to complement it. While others may be debatable, the vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, polio, meningitis, yellow fever, and medications for malaria prophylaxis and travellers’ diarrhoea are still the most important. So make sure you see a medical doctor between 4-8 weeks before your trip to confirm your traveller’s health requirements. Sources: Nigerian Clinical View Red Planet Travel Passport Health USA KLM Health Services Featured Image Source: All Africa
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor at connectnigeria dot com
You might also like:
This article was first published on 20th August 2020

ann

Ann Esievoadje is a freelance writer who is passionate about encouraging a reading culture and personal development. She has authored two books, The Quilt (fiction) and Being Mummy and Me (non-fiction). She manages Pulchra Publishing which offers a content creation/editing, transcription, different forms of writing (including Ghostwriting) service and her blog, Life Love and Anything Goes at annesievoadje.blogspot.com.ng. You can reach her at annesievoadje@gmail.com

Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *