Yellow Fever Vaccination Required Prior to Visiting Nigeria

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on October 1, 2021, a new yellow fever outbreak was reported across several states in Nigeria. As a result, this west Africa country is recognized as a high-priority within the global Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy. 

From January to August 2021, over 1,300 suspected cases were reported in 367 Local Government Areas.

A total of 45 blood samples were sent to the Institut Pasteur, and 31 samples tested positive. Of these positive cases, only twelve patients had a history of yellow fever vaccination.

Furthermore, two deaths were reported among the remaining 19 non-vaccinated positive cases (Case fatality ratio: 11%).

'Given the low routine immunization coverage, coupled with the poor performance of reactive mass immunization activities, indicate an ongoing risk in susceptible populations and thus, a risk of serious public health impact,' says the WHO.

To address the risk, Nigeria has engaged in a multi-year plan to complete preventive mass vaccination campaigns targeting all eligible persons aged nine months to 44-year-old, supported through the EYE and global partners.

Since 2017, a total of 22 of 36 Nigerian states have completed these campaigns.

However, Nigerian public health authorities are currently responding to several concurrent outbreaks (COVID-19, Lassa fever, and a cholera epidemic), straining the country's limited resources.

The WHO recommends vaccination against yellow fever for most international travelers going to Nigeria. And Nigeria requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers (9 months+) as a condition of entry.

Furthermore, the WHO does not recommend travel restrictions to Nigeria based on the current information available on this yellow fever outbreak.

But the U.S. CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Nigeria on September 30, 2021.

Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can spread rapidly and cause serious public health impacts. The disease is preventable using a single dose of a yellow fever vaccine, which provides immunity for life.

As of October 2021, the YF-VAX vaccine was available in the USA.

The YF-VAX vaccine is a live, weakened form of the virus. It is given as a single subcutaneous injection.

See an interactive world map showing travel recommendations by destination, and yellow fever vaccination requirements for specific countries are available on the CDC Travelers' Health webpage.

Note: The Stamaril yellow fever vaccine has been available in the USA but continues to be offered by many countries. And, there are now 169 polio cases reported in 2021. Nigeria reported only 8 cases last year.