The U.S. military began with a coronavirus Vaccination campaign for staff stationed as a third wave of viruses in South Korea on Tuesday, the host country recorded its highest daily death toll since the pandemic began. U.S. forces Korea (USFK) has administered initial doses of the Moderna vaccine to military and civilian health care workers, first responders and commandos in its medical treatment facilities in the country, a statement said.
Washington has about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea to help defend them against the nuclear weapon North and the protection of American interests in Northeast Asia.
Among those vaccinated was USFK commander Robert Abrams, who in the photo received the shot in a mask and a T-shirt with ‘#KilltheVirus’.
The vaccination is voluntary, but the USFK chief “strongly” encouraged U.S. service members to receive it. “I want you to make an informed decision for you and your family regarding the vaccine,” he said in the statement.
Staff Sgt. Betty R. Chevalier / US Air Force / DVIDS / Handout via REUTERS
South Korea is one of four overseas locations to receive the Moderna vaccine Obtained emergency use authorization of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on December 18th.
The vaccination took place when the new wave of the virus gripped the country in Asia. The revival was focused on the greater Seoul area, which has seen daily cases rise to more than 1,000 several times this month despite stricter measures.
The country reported 1,046 new cases and 40 deaths on Tuesday, the highest daily toll since it first identified an infection in January. A total of 58,725 cases of coronavirus were reported.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel made a video call late Monday, agreeing that the company will deliver vaccine doses to 20 million South Koreans in the second quarter of 2021, according to Moon’s office.
If the Moderna agreement is formally signed, South Korea will have enough vaccines for 56 million people, or four million more than its total population, Moon’s office said.
It plans to launch its domestic vaccination program in February.
South Korea has been praised as a model of fighting the virus. The public largely follows official guidelines and the authorities who prevent a broader outbreak with an intensive “detect, test and treat” approach.