Introduction

Before vaccines existed, diseases like polio paralysed thousands of Nigerian children every year. Measles caused severe illness and killed many children across Africa. Tetanus took the lives of newborn babies within days of birth.

Today, these diseases are largely preventable through a simple series of vaccinations.

Vaccination is one of the most powerful acts of love a parent can perform for their child. It protects the child from serious illness, disability, and death while also helping to protect the wider community.

How Vaccines Work

A vaccine teaches your child's immune system to recognise and fight a specific disease without the child having to suffer through the full illness.

When a vaccinated child later encounters that disease, their immune system is already prepared to respond quickly, reducing the risk of severe illness and complications.

Vaccines do not weaken the immune system. They train it to respond more effectively to specific infections.

A child who receives all recommended vaccines has stronger protection against the diseases covered by the national immunisation schedule.

Nigeria's Routine Immunisation Schedule

Vaccines included in Nigeria's national routine immunisation programme are provided free of charge at government health facilities.

The key vaccines and their usual timing include:

At Birth

• BCG vaccine for tuberculosis
• Oral Polio Vaccine, also called OPV 0
• Hepatitis B birth dose

At 6 Weeks

• OPV 1
• Pentavalent 1, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, also called PCV 1
• Rotavirus vaccine 1

At 10 Weeks

• OPV 2
• Pentavalent 2
• PCV 2
• Rotavirus vaccine 2

At 14 Weeks

• OPV 3
• Pentavalent 3
• PCV 3
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine, also called IPV

From 6 Months

Vitamin A supplementation usually begins from 6 months of age and is repeated every 4 to 6 months until the child reaches 5 years, according to the local health programme.

Some programmes may also provide Vitamin A during earlier immunisation visits. Follow the schedule written on your child's immunisation card and the instructions given by the health worker.

At 9 Months

• Measles vaccine
• Yellow fever vaccine
• Meningococcal A vaccine

At 15 Months

• Second measles vaccine dose

Do not intentionally miss any of these vaccines.

When a dose is missed, return to the clinic as soon as possible. In most cases, the vaccination schedule can continue without starting again.

Always keep your child's immunisation card in a safe place and bring it to every clinic visit.

Busting the Four Biggest Vaccine Myths in Nigeria

Myth 1: Vaccines Cause the Disease

Truth: Vaccines may contain killed organisms, weakened organisms, or small parts of a germ that help the immune system learn how to respond.

They do not give healthy children the full disease they are designed to prevent.

Some live vaccines may require special consideration for children with severe immune system problems. Always tell the health worker if your child has a serious medical condition or is receiving treatment that weakens the immune system.

Myth 2: Vaccines Contain Haram Ingredients

Truth: Many respected Islamic scholars and Muslim health leaders, including leaders in Nigeria, support vaccination as a way of protecting life.

Protecting life, known as hifz al-nafs, is one of the highest objectives in Islam.

Parents who have concerns about a particular vaccine should speak with a qualified healthcare professional and a trusted religious scholar rather than relying on rumours or social media messages.

Myth 3: Natural Immunity Is Better Than Vaccine Immunity

Truth: Natural immunity requires the child to become infected with the actual disease.

This exposes the child to the risk of severe illness, disability, long-term complications, or death.

Vaccination provides protection without requiring the child to face those dangers.

Myth 4: Vaccines Cause Autism

Truth: Vaccines do not cause autism.

This claim originated from a fraudulent study published in 1998. The study was later completely retracted, and its findings were discredited.

Large and carefully conducted studies involving millions of children have found no link between vaccination and autism.

The Hepatitis B Birth Dose: Do Not Miss It

Nigeria has one of the highest hepatitis B burdens in the world.

One of the most important ways to protect a newborn is to give the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first 24 hours.

The birth dose greatly reduces the risk of hepatitis B passing from an infected mother to her baby. It is most effective when followed by the complete hepatitis B vaccination series.

When a mother is known to have hepatitis B, the baby may require additional medical care. This may include hepatitis B immune globulin where it is available.

Many Nigerian babies miss the birth dose because they are born at home.

If your baby is born at home, take the baby to a health facility as soon as possible, preferably within the first 24 hours. When the dose has already been delayed, visit the clinic promptly rather than waiting for the next routine immunisation appointment.

This early protection can reduce the child's risk of developing chronic hepatitis, liver damage, or liver cancer later in life.

What to Do After a Vaccine

Mild reactions after vaccination are common and usually disappear without treatment.

Normal Reactions May Include

• Mild fever
• Irritability
• Tenderness at the injection site
• A small lump where the injection was given
• Temporary tiredness or reduced appetite

These reactions usually improve within 24 to 48 hours.

How to Care for Your Child

• Continue breastfeeding after vaccination. It can comfort the baby and support hydration.
• Dress the child comfortably and avoid excessive wrapping.
• Offer fluids regularly.
• Give paracetamol only when the child has a fever or discomfort, using the correct dose for the child's weight.
• Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional when you are unsure about the correct dose.
• Do not give medication before vaccination unless a healthcare professional advises you to do so.
• Do not massage, press, or apply unapproved substances to the injection site.

A small lump at the injection site is usually harmless and should gradually disappear.

When to Seek Medical Care

Take your child to a hospital or health facility if:

• The temperature rises above 39°C
• The child is unusually difficult to wake
• The child has a convulsion
• Symptoms are severe, worsening, or causing serious concern

Serious vaccine reactions are rare, but they should be assessed promptly.

Conclusion

Every vaccine your child receives is a shield against a disease that could kill, disable, or cause lifelong health problems.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and available through Nigeria's routine immunisation programme.

Missing vaccination is not a neutral choice. It increases the risk to your child and to vulnerable people in the community, including newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Keep your child's immunisation card safe, attend every scheduled appointment, and return to the clinic promptly when a dose is missed.

For professional guidance on vaccination schedules, safe medicines, and where to access immunisation services near you, visit Amkamed Pharmaceuticals, Gombe State.

Our team is committed to helping you protect your child's health with trusted advice and responsible care.

Questions about your child's vaccines?

Visit Amkamed Pharmaceuticals, Gombe State, for professional advice and referrals.

amkamed.com

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