US Department of Defense: COVID-19 Vaccination Not Mandatory for USFK Personnel

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. Department of Defense has maintained its position of leaving COVID-19 vaccination for U.S. Forces Korea to individual voluntary choice.

John Kirby, Department of Defense spokesperson, said at a press briefing on the 13th (local time) in response to a question about whether there is an intention to mandate vaccination for U.S. Forces Korea amid rising COVID-19 cases, "There is no change in the policy of voluntary vaccination."

Kirby evaluated that it is encouraging that about 70% of U.S. military personnel have received at least one dose, adding, "We continue to encourage the military to get vaccinated to the maximum extent, and we believe this is the best way forward."

This is interpreted to mean that while expanding COVID-19 vaccination for U.S. Forces Korea and other U.S. military personnel is necessary, it will not be made mandatory.

However, Kirby explained that the reason for not mandating vaccination is that they are waiting for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s full approval of the vaccine. This is interpreted as a sign that once full approval is granted, COVID-19 vaccination may become mandatory for the military.

The three vaccines approved in the U.S.?Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen?have received FDA emergency use authorization for vaccination. It is unknown when full approval will be granted.

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