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West Africa

🇳🇬 Vaccines for Nigeria

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Nigeria

Yellow Fever required for entry. Malaria is endemic and antimalarials are essential. Meningococcal vaccine is strongly recommended. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccines all worth getting. Nigeria has one of the highest disease burdens in the region — don't skip the travel clinic.

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.
Required for entry
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
Recommended by WHO & CDC
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
Disease risks
  • ⚠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.
Approximate cost per person
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.

Often combined with
GhanaCameroonBeninTogo
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Yellow Fever certificate must be 10 days old on arrival — factor this in. Malaria tablets need to start before entering the country. Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies can be done 2–4 weeks before departure.

Common questions
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Nigeria?
Yes. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry to Nigeria for all travellers. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow booklet) and it must be at least 10 days old on arrival. This is strictly enforced.
Do I need malaria tablets for Nigeria?
Yes. Malaria is endemic throughout Nigeria including Lagos and Abuja. Antimalarials are essential for all visits. Nigeria has one of the highest malaria burdens in the world. Discuss the right antimalarial option with your travel clinic.
What other vaccines are needed for Nigeria?
In addition to Yellow Fever (required) and malaria prevention, Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccines are all recommended. Nigeria sits in the meningitis belt and has ongoing diphtheria outbreaks in 2025–2026. Make sure your routine Td/Tdap is up to date.
Is Nigeria safe to visit?
Security varies significantly by region — check your government's travel advisory. From a health perspective, Nigeria requires thorough vaccine preparation and is not a destination to approach without a full travel clinic consultation.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: May 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.