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Vaccines are one of the best things you can do for your child's health. Diseases such as measles, whooping cough, polio, diphtheria and meningitis once killed or disabled many children in Nigeria. Immunisation has made them far less common, but they still circulate, and children who are not vaccinated remain at risk.
This guide explains the routine childhood vaccines in Nigeria, what to expect, and what to do if your child has missed any.
How vaccines work
A vaccine trains the body's immune system to recognise a germ without the child having to suffer the disease. If the child later meets that germ, the body is ready to fight it off. Some vaccines need several doses spaced weeks apart to build strong protection, which is why the timing of visits matters.
When most children in a community are vaccinated, diseases struggle to spread. This also protects babies too young to be vaccinated and children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
The routine schedule
Nigeria's national immunisation programme gives most childhood vaccines at these ages. Schedules are updated from time to time, so always follow your child's immunisation card and the advice of the health worker.
At birth
- BCG, which protects against severe forms of tuberculosis.
- Oral polio vaccine.
- Hepatitis B vaccine.
At 6, 10 and 14 weeks
- Pentavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (a cause of meningitis and pneumonia).
- Pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against a common cause of pneumonia and meningitis.
- Oral polio vaccine, with injectable polio vaccine at some of these visits.
- Rotavirus vaccine, which protects against severe diarrhoea.
At around 9 months
- Measles vaccine.
- Yellow fever vaccine.
- Meningitis A vaccine.
At 15 months
- A second dose of measles vaccine.
Girls may later be offered the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, through school and community programmes.
Where to get vaccinated
Routine childhood vaccines are free at government health facilities, including primary health centres across Zaria. Campaigns also bring vaccines to communities, especially for polio and measles.
Bring your child's immunisation card every time you see a health worker, including when you visit Almadina Hospital for any other reason. Our doctors and nurses can check whether any vaccines are due and tell you where to get them.
What to expect after a vaccine
Most children have no problems, or only mild ones that pass within a day or two:
- Mild fever.
- Soreness, redness or a small lump where the injection was given.
- Fussiness or sleepiness.
After BCG, a small sore usually appears at the injection site a few weeks later and heals to leave a small scar. This is normal and shows the vaccine has taken.
To help your child, keep breastfeeding or giving fluids, dress them in light clothing, and comfort them. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before giving any medicine for fever.
Serious reactions are rare. Health workers are trained to manage them, and you will usually be asked to wait for a short time after vaccination.
If your child has missed a vaccine
Missing a dose is common and can be fixed. Your child does not need to start again from the beginning. Take the immunisation card to a health facility, and the health worker will work out which vaccines are needed and when. Catching up is safe and important.
Common worries
Can my child be vaccinated with a cold? A mild illness such as a cold or a low fever is not usually a reason to delay. The health worker will check your child on the day.
Is it safe to give several vaccines at once? Yes. The schedule has been designed and tested so that vaccines given together are safe and effective.
Do vaccines cause the diseases they prevent? No. Vaccines do not give your child the disease. Mild reactions are signs that the immune system is responding.
Keeping good records
Your child's immunisation card is an important health document. Keep it safe in a plastic cover, and bring it to every health visit. If the card is lost, ask at the facility where your child was vaccinated; they may be able to issue a replacement from their records.
Older children may need to show proof of vaccination for school entry, and some travel requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. A complete card saves time and repeat injections later.
Protecting newborns before their vaccines work
Newborns are especially vulnerable in the first weeks. Alongside vaccination:
- Breastfeed, which passes some protection from mother to baby.
- Make sure the mother received tetanus vaccination in pregnancy.
- Keep the baby away from people with coughs and fevers where possible.
- Wash your hands before handling the baby.
- Keep the cord stump clean and dry, and seek care if it becomes red, swollen or smells.
When to come to the hospital
Bring your child to Almadina Hospital if they have a high fever, a fit, difficulty breathing, are unusually drowsy, or are not feeding, whether or not they recently had a vaccine. Come straight away, day or night. We are at 1-4 Chikaji Road, Sabon Gari, Zaria, and our emergency team is on duty 24 hours a day. Call 0806 083 9148 for advice about your child's health or to find out where your child can receive vaccines they have missed.
Common questions
Are childhood vaccines free?
Routine childhood vaccines are free at government health facilities in Nigeria.
My child missed a vaccine. Do we start again?
No. Take the immunisation card to a health facility and the health worker will plan the doses still needed.
Is a fever after vaccination normal?
A mild fever for a day or two is common. Come to hospital if the fever is high, lasts longer, or your child seems very unwell.
