U.S. Forces Korea Begin COVID-19 Vaccinations... Who Are Eligible?

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The United States Forces Korea (USFK) has begun COVID-19 vaccinations. Although limited to USFK personnel, this marks the first COVID-19 vaccination conducted within South Korea.

On the 29th, the USFK Command announced in a press release that vaccinations with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine have started at three facilities, including hospitals on the Osan, Gunsan, and Pyeongtaek US military bases, targeting essential personnel such as military and civilian medical staff and support personnel.

The US military stated that additional vaccine shipments are expected to arrive following this initial batch. They also mentioned that the additional vaccines might include other types approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) besides Moderna.

Meanwhile, General Robert Abrams, the USFK Commander, also received the vaccine on the same day at the Brian Allgood Hospital within Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek.

In photos released on the USFK website, General Abrams attracted attention by wearing a T-shirt with the phrase "Kill the Virus" while receiving the vaccine injection.

General Abrams emphasized that vaccination is not mandatory but voluntary, stating, "I hope everyone makes an informed decision based on accurate information about the vaccine for themselves and their families," encouraging vaccination.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.