Adolescent vaccination in Nigeria: the what, why and who

Abstract

Adolescents are individuals aged 10 – 19 years. Having survived vaccine-preventable childhood diseases some of them remain susceptible because they either did not receive or did not complete their childhood immunization schedule. They also become exposed to other vaccine-preventable organisms such as human papillomavirus. Adolescent immunization is thus an important strategy to consolidate on the gains of childhood survival programmes while ensuring that the adolescent reaches adulthood healthy and protected from vaccine preventable diseases. This article discusses the status of adolescent immunization in Nigeria, explores reasons for the status-quo, provides reasons for the consideration of an adolescent immunization programme and suggests possible vaccines for inclusion as well as possible strategies for implementing the programme.