Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is the only vaccine that is required for anyone who is traveling to Botswana who is coming from a country that is affected by yellow fever. Contact your doctor to find out if this is the case for you. If not, the vaccination isn't even recommended for travel to Botswana.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a recommended vaccine. Those who qualify should be over the age of one year. It comes in two separate doses, the first of which must be given preferably four weeks before travel but can be given as little as two weeks before. The second shot is to be given between six to 12 months after the first.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is recommended for anyone who has not already been vaccinated. This booster can be problematic for travel because experts recommend you get your first shot six months before you depart. The second comes a month after the first and the third comes at six months.
Typhoid Vaccine
The typhoid vaccine is given in the form of a pill. It is recommended for anyone over the age of six traveling to Botswana. You will need a week to take a series of four pills, every other day to be protected against typhoid. Children between two and six years old can get the vaccine in the form of a one dose injection.
Tetanus and Diphtheria
Tetanus and diphtheria is an injection that everyone should have updated every 10 years. If you are not up-to-date on your tetanus and diphtheria shot, the CDC recommends everyone have one before they travel to Botswana.
MMR
MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella. If you were born after 1956, you probably have already received your MMR or measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations. This vaccination comes in two doses and if you were born before 1970 you may have only gotten one. If this is the case, it is recommended that you get your second booster before you travel to Botswana.
Rabies Vaccination
The rabies vaccine is recommended for anyone who will be in direct contact with wild animals during their vacation to Botswana. This group includes those who will spend the majority of their time out of doors and especially those that will be around bats.
