Travel Health: When travelling to Nigeria, an international vaccination
certificate against yellow fever is required. A Cholera vaccination
certificate is also required if coming from an infected area. As a
precaution against cholera, visitors should drink or use only
boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Anti-malaria
prophylaxis and TB inoculation are recommended. At present there is
a high risk of polio infection in northern Nigeria and inoculations
are advised. Visitors should seek the latest medical advice on
inoculations at least three weeks prior to departure. Private
clinics are found even in the smallest towns. In major cities,
private hospitals offer good facilities. As in many countries,
costs for medical services or hospital care must be shouldered by
the traveller. There are government hospitals throughout the
country, but apart from emergencies, the hospitals are more geared
to serving the local population. Individuals needing specialised
treatment for acute illness or severe injury are usually evacuated
to Europe or South Africa. Good, comprehensive insurance is
strongly advised, and should include evacuation. Pharmacies abound
in Nigeria, even in supermarkets and are open during normal trading
hours. Some are open even on Sundays in supermarkets.
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