Childhood Vaccination Schedule in Nigeria: A Parent's Complete Guide

Starcare International Hospital · No. 21, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland-GRA, Ikeja, Lagos
+234 9152 70 70 70 · WhatsApp +234 9154 70 70 70

Few things protect a child as powerfully and affordably as vaccination. Yet busy schedules and missed appointments mean many Lagos children fall behind. This guide explains the routine childhood immunisations, why timing matters, and how to catch up if you have missed a dose. Our pediatricians at Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja, walk you through it.

• Birth–18m
  the busiest vaccination window
• Free + paid
  options exist in Nigeria
• Catch-up
  schedules available if delayed
• Community
  protection from high coverage

Vaccines prevent diseases that once killed or disabled many Nigerian children. Keeping your child's immunisation card current is one of the simplest, highest-impact things a parent can do. Our pediatrics & neonatology service in Ikeja keeps your child on track.

Why Vaccination Timing Matters

Protection when it counts

The schedule is timed to protect children when they are most vulnerable to specific diseases. Delaying leaves a window of risk.

Some need several doses

Many vaccines require a series to build full, lasting immunity — one dose is often not enough.

Key fact: Vaccines protect not only your own child but other children too. When most of a community is vaccinated, diseases struggle to spread — shielding babies too young to be fully immunised.

The Routine Childhood Vaccines

Nigeria's routine immunisation protects against diseases including:

• Tuberculosis (BCG, at birth)
• Polio
• Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough
• Hepatitis B
• Hib, pneumococcal and rotavirus
• Measles and yellow fever

Your pediatrician will confirm the exact ages and doses, as schedules are periodically updated.

Keep Your Child Protected

Book your child's vaccinations or a catch-up review at Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja — and keep that immunisation card current.

Book an Appointment →

If You Have Missed a Dose

Don't start over

A missed dose usually does not mean starting again — a catch-up schedule continues from where you left off.

Bring the card

Always bring your child's immunisation record so the team can plan accurately.

Vaccination Essentials at a Glance

QuestionAnswerWhen to start?At birth (BCG, hepatitis B, polio)Missed a dose?Catch-up — don't restart the seriesMild fever after?Common and usually harmlessLost the card?Visit us to reconstruct the record

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions our patients in Lagos ask most often. For anything specific to your case, our specialist team at Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja, is always available to help.

Is a fever after vaccination normal?

A mild fever or soreness for a day or two is common and shows the immune system is responding. High or persistent fever should be reviewed.

My child missed several vaccines — is it too late?

No. Catch-up schedules let your child resume protection at almost any age. Bring the card and our team will plan the catch-up.

Are vaccines safe?

Routine childhood vaccines are extensively tested and very safe. Serious reactions are rare; the diseases they prevent are far more dangerous.

Where can I get my child vaccinated in Lagos?

At our pediatric clinic in Ikeja, among other centres. We keep your child's immunisation card updated at each visit.

Final Takeaway: A Small Step, A Lifetime of Protection

Staying on schedule is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your child's health for life — and catching up is easy if you have fallen behind. At Starcare International Hospital, Ikeja, our pediatric team makes vaccination simple and stress-free.

You May Also Find Helpful

• Pediatric & Newborn Care in Lagos
• Fever in Children: When to Worry
• Newborn Jaundice Explained
• Our Pediatrics & Neonatology Service

Tags: Childhood Vaccination Nigeria · Immunisation Schedule Lagos · Child Vaccines Ikeja · Pediatrics Lagos · Baby Vaccines Nigeria