If this is your first time visiting Nigeria, the following vaccinations are recommended:

For first-time travelers to Nigeria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides clear guidance. Vaccines fall into three categories: routine, required, and recommended.

1. Routine Vaccines (Make sure you’re up to date)

Before any international travel, you should be current on standard immunizations:

  • Measles (MMR vaccine)
  • Tetanus / diphtheria / pertussis (Tdap)
  • Influenza
  • Polio (with a booster for adults if needed)

This is especially important because measles and polio exposures still occur in Nigeria.

2. Required Vaccine

Yellow Fever (VERY important)

  • Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old
  • It may be required for entry depending on your travel route (especially if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission)
  • You’ll receive a “yellow card” (International Certificate of Vaccination)

3. Recommended Travel Vaccines

These are strongly advised for most first-time travelers:

Food & water–borne illnesses

  • Hepatitis A – recommended for all travelers
  • Typhoid – especially if visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or eating local food

Blood/body fluid exposure

  • Hepatitis B – recommended for all unvaccinated travelers

Regional risks

  • Meningococcal disease – if traveling during dry season (Dec–June) in the “meningitis belt”
  • Rabies – if you’ll be around animals or in remote areas

4. NOT a vaccine, but essential

Malaria prevention

  • Malaria is high risk in Nigeria
  • You’ll need prescription preventive medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine)

Quick Summary (Must vs. Should)

Must have (or strongly expected):

  • Yellow fever

Should have (for most travelers):

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, polio booster)

Situational:

  • Meningococcal
  • Rabies
  • Cholera (less common, specific cases)

Also required:

  • Malaria prophylaxis (not a vaccine, but critical)

When to get them

Ideally 4–8 weeks before travel.
Some (like hepatitis B) may need multiple doses → ask about accelerated schedules.