Ongoing studies conducted in our laboratories Indicate that Botswana has various variants In circulation, with the most severe being the variant that was first detected in South Africa In December 2020. That variant has proved to be highly transmissible, and as a result, Botswana found it prudent, based on timing and availability, to adopt multiple vaccines to ensure that Botswana are vaccinated as soon as possible. 

The roll out of vaccines will be categorised, beginning with healthcare workers, older adults over 50 years old, frontline workers, individuals 
with underlying conditions and other vulnerabilities before they are roiled out to the rest of the population. The categories are meant to provide for individuals highly at risk of contacting the disease. 

While Botswana aggressively pursues vaccines, it is worth noting that vaccines do not prevent one from contracting the virus, as other vaccines have proven over the years. The COVID 19 vaccines available reduce severity and Impact of the disease, which has come at a high cost to human lives. It is therefore prudent that we continue to observe protocols, so that steps to recover our economy gains momentum. 

As with all medications that are currently available in Botswana, including the most basic over the counter medications, all vaccines permitted for use will be subject to stringent examination and approval by the Botswana Medical Regulatory Authority. 

Below is a table of vaccines that are foremost being considered for rollout. As more research is concluded and more vaccines become available, more will obviously be added to the list 

Source: WHO

The efficacy levels presented in the table however vary depending on the variants present in various environments/countries In which people are vaccinated.