[Comprehensive] KATUSA Also Gets Vaccinated... Becomes 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 US Forces Korea (USFK) to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

On the 30th, a military official stated, "Vaccinations will be carried out according to the USFK's own plan, and Korean personnel affiliated with USFK, including KATUSA and nurses, are included among the vaccination targets. However, since vaccination is only for those who wish to receive it, the exact number is unknown."

It is expected that about 40 KATUSA medical administrative soldiers working at the Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital within Camp Humphreys (Pyeongtaek US military base), where the US military began vaccinations, will be among the first vaccination targets. However, personnel affiliated with the ROK-US Combined Forces Command are excluded from the vaccination targets. Korean military generals, including Lieutenant General Kim Seung-gyeom, Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and other personnel working alongside USFK are not eligible for vaccination. The US military is reportedly reviewing whether to vaccinate these personnel.

Regarding adverse reactions after vaccination, the Ministry of National Defense explained that compensation claims can be made through the US government. However, since vaccination is voluntary, it is expected that actually receiving compensation will not be easy. The military stated, "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. In case 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 proven." They added, "We notified our position this morning, so we understand that vaccinations can proceed from today according to the USFK's own plan."

The USFK began COVID-19 vaccinations yesterday targeting essential personnel such as 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 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 US Department of Defense began distributing Moderna vaccines to overseas US forces last week.

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