[Breaking] KATUSA Vaccination Begins... Becoming the First Korean Recipient

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The government has allowed Korean nationals affiliated with the United States Forces Korea (USFK) to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

On the 30th, a military official stated, "We have decided to include Koreans affiliated with USFK, such as KATUSA and nurses, among the vaccination recipients," adding, "However, since vaccination will be administered only to those who wish to receive it, the exact number is unknown."

However, personnel affiliated with the ROK-US Combined Forces Command are excluded from the vaccination target. Korean military generals assigned to the Combined Forces Command, including Deputy Commander Kim Seung-gyeom, who work alongside USFK personnel, are not eligible for vaccination. It is known that the US military is currently reviewing whether to vaccinate these individuals.

The military explained, "Korean recipients will voluntarily decide whether to be vaccinated after listening to explanations about the possibility of adverse reactions and follow-up measures such as treatment," adding, "In the event of adverse reactions, treatment and care will be provided at US military hospitals, and compensation claims can be made through the US Department of Health's compensation program, provided causality is established." They further stated, "Since we notified our position this morning, we understand that vaccinations can begin today according to the USFK's own plan."

The USFK began COVID-19 vaccinations yesterday for essential personnel, including medical staff working on US military bases. The US Department of Defense sent Moderna vaccines to four overseas countries where US forces are stationed, including South Korea. The vaccines were also distributed to USFK medical facilities, and vaccinations started today. Following the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) emergency use authorization of the Moderna vaccine, the Department of Defense began distributing the Moderna vaccine to overseas US forces last week.

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