If you are coming to Nigeria, especially from countries in North America and Europe, there are some vaccines you have to take before you make your trip. These vaccines will help to prevent you from getting certain diseases while you are in the country. Nigeria is a tropical country, with different weather and climatic situation compared to colder countries in North America or Europe. Such weather makes it suitable for certain vectors and insects to survive, which means diseases that may be nonexistent or very rare in those other countries. The purpose of taking vaccines is to protect you from these diseases. Some of these vaccines are even mandatory to babies to offer them life-long protection and immunity, so it is necessary for you to take them as a traveller. It’s very important to know the vaccines to take before going to Nigeria.
So, in today’s post, we would be looking at some of the vaccines you would be required to take before travelling to Nigeria.
1. Malaria Vaccine
Whether you are in Nigeria for a long or short stay, you will have to take malaria vaccines to offer you protection from the disease. Nigeria is home to the Anopheles mosquito, which is responsible for transmitting the disease. Regular Nigerians deal with the disease by taking medications whenever they are diagnosed with the disease. As a traveller, you will have to take prescribed antimalaria vaccines before visiting the country. You may also have to take it during and after your stay if you stayed for a long time. You should read more about malaria in Nigeria.
2. Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow fever vaccine is also on the list. It is a disease spread by another species of mosquito that gives someone a jaundiced look, which is where the ‘yellow’ comes from. Although the disease is not as widespread and prevalent as malaria, taking precautions is quite necessary. Taking yellow fever vaccine is very necessary to prevent the disease throughout your stay in the country. It is required for all travellers above the age of nine (9) months. You can learn more about the prevalence of yellow fever in Nigeria.
3. Hepatitis A & B Vaccine
Travellers coming into Nigeria would also have to take vaccines for Hepatitis A & B. Hepatitis A is spread by contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B is spread by body fluids, such as blood. A single shot of Hepatitis A vaccine is all that you need to protect yourself during your stay in the country. For Hepatitis B, a course of three shots would be required. You can read more about hepatitis B in Nigeria.
4. Typhoid Vaccine
This is especially required for those who plan to stay in congested or rural parts of the country. Typhoid is another disease that is spread through contaminated food and water. But a single vaccine shot would help keep you safe during your stay in the country. You can learn more about typhoid in Nigeria.
There are frequent cholera outbreaks in the country, particularly in the northern states. Although cholera cases among travellers are very rare, it can be very severe when contracted. That is why it is important to take cholera shots before visiting the country, especially if you will be spending time in northern states. Also, you should take precautions while in the country by avoiding dirty water or water from an unverified source.
6. Meningitis Vaccine
Meningitis or Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Meningococcal disease can be spread to others through close personal contact such as sharing personal items, living together or kissing. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. The disease is especially common during the dry season in Nigeria, which is from December down to June.
You must get a meningococcal vaccine before travelling to Nigeria, as it is the best way to protect yourself against meningococcal disease.
Other Routine Vaccines To Take Before Going Nigeria
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) for infants between 6 to 11 months