KATUSAs likely to get vaccinated soon

KATUSA soldiers could be vaccinated against COVID-19 earlier than regular Korean civilians as the U.S. Forces Korea is expected to administer the Moderna vaccines for its service members and those working with the USFK as early as this week. / Korea Times file

By Kang Seung-woo

Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) soldiers and other civilian workers of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) may be the first Koreans to get vaccinated for COVID-19 here, as vaccines for the USFK are expected to arrive as early as this week.

On Wednesday, the USFK announced that it was one of the overseas locations identified to receive the Moderna vaccine and would administer it to all eligible USFK-affiliated community members, including KATUSAs and Koreans working on U.S. bases. However, it failed to elaborate on any other details, including the vaccine quantity.

It remains to be seen whether any of the 3,000 KATUSA soldiers will be inoculated this time, but if so, they will be the first Korean citizens, given that the government is not expected to start vaccinations against the coronavirus until February or March.

“As the USFK statement referred to all eligible USFK-affiliated community members, KATUSAs will be given the vaccine,” a USFK official said.

“But it has not been decided yet on whether KATUSAs will be vaccinated this time or after additional shipments of the vaccines because the quantities of the initial distribution could be small.”

A Korean military officer confirmed the inoculation of KATUSAs, saying, “It is not a matter of if, but when.”

On Tuesday, USFK Commanding General Robert Abrams said the initial inoculations will be limited to frontline healthcare workers and first responders, some of whom are KATUSAs working in hospitals.

“Although the commander said the first phase of vaccinations will go to healthcare workers, it is not clear whether it means the entire medical corps or only doctors and nurses,” the officer said.

Even though KATUSA soldiers are working and staying on U.S. bases nationwide, the Korean Army holds the responsibility for personnel management, which is raising speculation that the USFK may demand that the government pay for their vaccinations.

“The USFK is likely to foot the bill for the inoculation of KATUSA members,” the USFK official said. “Although they receive monthly pay from the Korean Army, other suppliers are supported by the USFK.”

The military officer said the U.S. has not been in contact with the defense ministry or the Korean Army through official channels regarding the inoculation, but the Korean side will discuss the matter with the USFK if it makes an official request for talks on the issue.