Vaccinations for Nigeria
Nigeria requires extensive pre-travel preparation. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry and strongly medically recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Begin preparations 6–8 weeks before departure.
Recommended vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
- Yellow Fever (required for entry — certificate must be presented at the border)
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Cholera (Dukoral)
- Meningitis ACWY (for travel during dry season)
- Rabies (for rural or extended travel)
Malaria risk & prevention
Year-round high malaria risk throughout Nigeria. Lagos and Abuja carry risk as well as rural areas. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline is strongly recommended for all itineraries.
Key health considerations
- 1Malaria is the primary health threat — prophylaxis plus strict mosquito prevention is essential.
- 2Yellow fever is endemic — the vaccine is not optional.
- 3Lassa fever is endemic in some regions (rural West Africa).
- 4Traveller's diarrhea is very common.
- 5Meningitis risk during the dry season (November–May) in northern Nigeria.
Travel-health tips
- Your Yellow Fever certificate (ICVP) is legally required for entry — carry it with your passport.
- Permethrin-treated clothing and 30% DEET are essential for Lagos and all travel outside air-conditioned environments.
- Pack a full medical kit with physician-prescribed antibiotics and antimalarials.
Vaccines commonly needed for Nigeria
Ready to prepare for Nigeria?
Book a virtual consultation with a licensed Canadian physician. We will build your personalized vaccine plan and administer everything at our Toronto pharmacy.
Book your consultationFrequently asked: Nigeria
Is Yellow Fever vaccine required to enter Nigeria?
Yes — Yellow Fever vaccination is a legal entry requirement for Nigeria. You must present a valid ICVP certificate at the border. The Virtual Travel Clinic is a designated Yellow Fever provider and issues the official ICVP certificate. The certificate is valid for life under current WHO guidelines.
What vaccinations do I need for Nigeria?
The required vaccine is Yellow Fever (ICVP certificate mandatory for entry). Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone or doxycycline), Meningitis ACWY (for dry-season travel to the north), and Rabies for rural or extended travel.
How far in advance should I book before travelling to Nigeria?
We strongly recommend 6–8 weeks before departure. The Yellow Fever ICVP certificate is only valid for travel purposes starting 10 days after vaccination. Allow sufficient time for all vaccine courses to complete.
Which malaria medication is best for Nigeria?
For most Canadian travellers, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is the first-line choice — daily dosing, well-tolerated, only 7 days post-trip required. Doxycycline is a more affordable alternative. Our physician will recommend the right option based on your itinerary and health history.
Explore other destinations
This information is for educational purposes and reflects common recommendations for healthy adult Canadian travellers. Individual recommendations depend on your health history, itinerary, and current advisories from the Public Health Agency of Canada and WHO. A consultation with our physician is required before any prescription is issued.