Community Immunology
PGD Community Immunology - 2024/25
Course start dateMonday, 8 December 2025
Course end dateMonday, 15 December 2025
Post Graduate Diploma in Community Immunology
Programme Overview for Prospective Students
Become a frontline specialist in immunization and disease prevention, equipped to strengthen Nigeria's public health defense at the community level. This specialized postgraduate programme combines immunological science with practical vaccination management skills to address critical gaps in immunization coverage and infectious disease control across Nigerian communities.
Programme Structure
First Semester (25 Credit Units)
Master the science and systems of community immunization.
| Course Code | Course Title | CU | Learning Hours | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHII 711 | Applied Anatomy | 3 | 75 hours | Relevant structures for immunization |
| CHII 712 | Applied Physiology | 3 | 75 hours | Body systems in immune response |
| CHII 713 | Immunopathology | 3 | 75 hours | Disease mechanisms & immune disorders |
| CHII 714 | Immunity & Immunization | 3 | 75 hours | Vaccine science & schedule management |
| CHII 715 | Cold Chain Management | 4 | 90 hours | Vaccine storage & logistics systems |
| CHII 716 | Practicum | 3 | 75 hours | Initial field application |
| CHIG 711 | Bioethics | 3 | 45 hours | Ethical immunization practice |
| CHIG 712 | Research Methods & Seminar | 3 | 45 hours | Evidence-based approaches |
Second Semester (23 Credit Units)
Advance your clinical skills and community leadership capabilities.
| Course Code | Course Title | CU | Learning Hours | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHII 721 | Injection Safety & Universal Precautions | 4 | 75 hours | Safe administration protocols |
| CHII 722 | Immunological Techniques & AEFI Management | 3 | 75 hours | Adverse reaction response |
| CHII 723 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3 | 75 hours | Medication management |
| CHII 724 | Practicum | 4 | 180 hours | Advanced field training |
| CHIG 721 | Community Health Management | 3 | 45 hours | Programme leadership |
| CHIG 722 | Research Project | 6 | 210 hours | Community immunization research |
Total Programme: 48 Credit Units | 1,035 Contact Hours
What You Will Be Able to Do
Immunization Systems Management:
- Effectively manage cold chain systems and logistics from national to community levels
- Implement and supervise current National Program on Immunization (NPI) schedules
- Coordinate vaccine distribution, storage, and monitoring across healthcare facilities
Clinical & Preventive Competencies:
- Detect vaccine-preventable diseases and administer appropriate vaccinations
- Identify and manage Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)
- Apply injection safety standards and universal precautions
- Use immunological techniques for community health assessment
Community Leadership & Research:
- Design and implement community immunization campaigns
- Train and supervise community health workers in immunization best practices
- Conduct research to address immunization gaps
- Apply ethical principles in vaccine distribution decisions
- Manage immunization data and reporting systems
Who Should Enroll?
This programme is essential for:
- Community Health Practitioners responsible for immunization services
- Primary Healthcare Coordinators managing vaccination programmes
- Public Health Officers in disease control and prevention
- NGO Health Staff implementing immunization initiatives
- State Ministry of Health personnel overseeing immunization logistics
- Healthcare Professionals seeking immunization specialization
Career Pathways
Graduates will be qualified to serve as:
- Community Immunization Specialists
- Cold Chain Managers
- Immunization Programme Coordinators
- AEFI Surveillance Officers
- Public Health Consultants
- Immunization Trainers
- Research Officers
Programme Highlights
- 765 Practical Hours: 74% hands-on and field-based training
- Cold Chain Focus: Specialized training in vaccine logistics
- AEFI Management: Full adverse event response protocols
- MCPD Accredited
- Supports national immunization goals
- Includes community-based research project
- Strong ethical immunization practice training
Key Areas of Competence
- Vaccine-preventable disease detection and management
- Cold chain integrity and temperature monitoring
- Safe injection and waste management practices
- Community mobilization for vaccine uptake
- Immunization surveillance and reporting
- Outbreak response and vaccination support
Why This Programme Matters Now
- Addresses critical gaps in Nigeria's immunization coverage
- Provides pandemic preparedness skills
- Enhances career advancement opportunities
- Enables immediate impact in primary healthcare
- Supports national health priorities
- Equips practitioners with life-saving competencies