Child Immunisation in Nigeria: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Vaccination helps protect children from serious diseases and gives them a healthier start in life. Learn when to visit an immunisation clinic, what to bring and what to do if your child has missed a vaccine.

Why childhood immunisation matters

Vaccines train the body to recognise and fight infections before they cause severe illness. Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme protects children against diseases including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, measles, yellow fever and meningitis.

Vaccinating children on time protects the individual child and reduces the spread of infections within families, schools and communities.

Important immunisation visits

Parents and caregivers should take their child for vaccination at the ages written on the child’s immunisation card. Routine visits commonly take place:

• At birth
• At 6 weeks
• At 10 weeks
• At 14 weeks
• At 6 months
• At 9 months
• At 15 months

Girls should also receive the HPV vaccine at the nationally recommended age. Nigeria currently provides HPV vaccination for eligible girls from age nine to help protect them against cervical cancer later in life.

The vaccines administered at each appointment may be updated by national health authorities. Always follow the dates and instructions provided by your healthcare worker and recorded on your child’s immunisation card.

What to bring to the clinic

Bring the following to every immunisation appointment:

• Your child’s immunisation card
• Any relevant medical information
• Details of medicines your child is taking
• Information about previous reactions to vaccines
• A clean cloth and anything needed to keep your child comfortable

Keep the immunisation card in a safe place. It is an important health record and may be requested when the child starts school, travels or receives further medical care.

What if my child has missed a vaccine?

A missed appointment does not usually mean that the vaccination series must be restarted.

Take the child and their immunisation card to the nearest immunisation clinic or health facility. A healthcare worker will review the record and prepare an appropriate catch-up schedule.

Do not wait for another vaccination campaign if a routine dose has been missed.

Are childhood vaccines safe?

Vaccines used in Nigeria are assessed by health authorities before being approved for use. Mild reactions can occur as the immune system responds to vaccination.

These may include:

• Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given
• A mild fever
• Irritability
• Tiredness or reduced appetite

These effects are generally temporary. The healthcare worker administering the vaccine should explain what to expect and how to care for the child afterwards.

Seek urgent medical attention if the child develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a seizure, becomes unusually weak or unresponsive, or develops another severe or worrying reaction.

Can a child be vaccinated when unwell?

A mild illness does not always prevent vaccination, but the decision should be made by a qualified healthcare worker.

Tell the healthcare worker if the child:

• Has a fever or is currently unwell
• Has experienced a serious reaction after a previous vaccine
• Has a condition or treatment that weakens the immune system
• Has a known severe allergy
• Is taking prescription medicines

Do not withhold vaccination without first discussing the child’s condition with a healthcare professional.

Where can children receive vaccinations?

Routine childhood immunisation is available through government health centres and designated outreach locations in Nigeria. Government-provided routine vaccination services are offered at no cost.

Contact your nearest primary healthcare centre or National Hospital Abuja for guidance on available clinics, appointment times and catch-up vaccination.

Protect your child by completing every dose

Some vaccines require several doses to provide effective protection. Receiving the first dose without completing the remaining doses may leave a child insufficiently protected.

Check the next appointment date before leaving the clinic, record it somewhere visible and set a reminder on your phone. Encourage family members and caregivers to help ensure the child attends every scheduled visit.

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Medical notice: This article provides general health information and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Immunisation schedules and campaign eligibility may change. Confirm the vaccines your child requires with an authorised immunisation clinic.

Sources: UNICEF Nigeria Immunisation Schedule, WHO Immunisation Data for Nigeria, NPHCDA Immunisation FAQs and UNICEF Nigeria vaccination guidance.