Breakthrough infections surge among vaccinated soldiers in Yeoncheon

Soldiers buy bus tickets at Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, Monday. Yonhap

By Lee Hae-rin

A massive outbreak of COVID-19 infections has hit a military unit in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, and most of the confirmed patients had been fully vaccinated, according to the health authorities, Monday.

It is the largest number of breakthrough infections here in one location.

As of Saturday, 46 soldiers in the 184-member unit tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Central Disease Control Headquarters and Ministry of National Defense. Of them, 36 were fully vaccinated ― 33 had received two Pfizer shots and the remaining three, first AstraZeneca and Pfizer second.

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Five others also received their second shots, but it had been less than two weeks since their second one, the period which is believed necessary for one to develop enough immunity.

No one is in critical condition or requires hospitalization, the ministry said.

The first infection case was confirmed on Friday with a sergeant who had been on vacation from Sept. 16 to 23. He was also categorized as a breakthrough infection case.

"Vaccination provides immunity for a limited time in ordinary surroundings. Even when fully vaccinated, continuous exposure to the virus in a confined space could lead to infection. The case of the Yeoncheon military unit is similar to recent breakthrough infections at hospitals and sanatoriums. It's like how an umbrella can't stop the pouring rain," explained Jung Ki-seok, professor of pulmonary vascular disease at Hallym University Medical Center.

On the effectiveness of vaccination, Jung Jae-hun, professor of preventive medicine at Gacheon University College of Medicine, said, "The percentage of contagion remained low and no infected soldier was critically ill enough to be hospitalized. This is due to immunity through vaccination."

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