Vaccinations
| Special Precautions | |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No* |
|
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be
required, depending on the season and region visited.
|
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age travelling from infected areas.
Food and Drink
Tap water is considered safe to drink, although outside main cities and towns, visitors are advised to check before drinking water and sterilise it if in any doubt. Bottled water is available in most tourist centres. Milk is pasteurised, and dairy products, local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
Vaccinations for tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Hepatitis C occurs. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Tick-bite fever can be a problem when walking in the bush. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes and to search the body for ticks. Rabies is present in animals. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Health Care
The dust and heat may cause problems for some people. Visitors should use sun protection, especially due to Botswana’s high altitude. The public health system is good. All main towns have chemists, and pharmaceutical supplies are readily available. Health insurance is essential.