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West Africa

🇳🇬 Vaccines for Nigeria

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Nigeria

Nigeria requires Yellow Fever vaccination for entry — a firm requirement and strongly recommended given Yellow Fever is endemic in Nigeria. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country, making antimalarial medication essential for any visit. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and Rabies are also recommended, with meningococcal particularly relevant given Nigeria's position in the meningitis belt, especially during the dry season (December to May). Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and a major economic hub, particularly Lagos, but security varies significantly by region — most governments advise against travel to certain northern and northeastern areas given activity by groups like Boko Haram, while Lagos and Abuja see substantial business travel. Healthcare in Lagos and Abuja has good private options; elsewhere facilities are limited.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
⚠️ Active outbreak — May 2026: A diphtheria outbreak has been reported across several Nigerian states. Ensure your routine Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis vaccination is up to date before travel.
Yellow Fever
Certificate required for entry. Vaccination strongly recommended — Yellow Fever endemic.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available — ask your clinic.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
Meningococcal
Meningitis belt — recommended especially dry season (Dec–May).
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 5 years. Booster if ongoing risk.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
  • Malaria (high risk throughout)
  • Yellow Fever
  • Lassa Fever
  • Dengue
  • Meningococcal disease
  • Cholera (outbreaks)
Notes: Yellow Fever certificate required. Malaria prophylaxis essential — high risk throughout. Meningitis belt — vaccination recommended.
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€771
(~$840)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
Meningococcal ACWY (1 dose)€60 ($65)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

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Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Nigeria?
Yes, this is a firm requirement for entry to Nigeria for all travellers, and proof of vaccination is checked. Vaccination is also strongly recommended on health grounds — Yellow Fever is endemic in Nigeria. The certificate must be at least 10 days old before arrival.
Do I need malaria tablets for Nigeria?
Yes, essential for any visit. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, with no low-risk areas.
What other vaccines are needed for Nigeria?
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and Rabies are all recommended. Meningococcal vaccination is particularly relevant given Nigeria's position in the meningitis belt, with risk highest during the dry season from December to May.
Is Nigeria safe to visit?
Security varies significantly by region. Lagos and Abuja see substantial business and diplomatic travel and are generally manageable with normal precautions, though crime is a consideration in Lagos as in many large cities. Most governments advise against travel to certain northern and northeastern states given activity by groups like Boko Haram. Check current, region-specific advisories — Nigeria is too large and varied for a single blanket safety assessment.