Afghan Evacuees Vaccinated by US Soldiers and Medics in Wisconsin

Afghan evacuees were vaccinated against tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, COVID-19, and influenza during a multi-day campaign at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin’s Monroe County on September 17, according to the Department of Defense.

This video, published by DVIDS, depicts several Afghan children being vaccinated by members of the US Army. The vaccination campaign, which began on September 16, is part of Operation Allies Welcome, according to DVIDS.

“Our primary purpose here is to take care of our guests and all of their health care needs, as well as health protection,” said Col Matthew Fandre, a task force surgeon at Fort McCoy. “The other main focus is to help with the immigration process through US Citizenship and Immigration Services; there is a medical examination that includes a brief history and physical, as well as any screening for infectious diseases, lab work, and immunizations.”

Reports indicated that a special focus was given to vaccinating against measles, after 16 cases were detected among Afghan evacuees, including one at Fort McCoy. The CDC said in a statement that it instated a mandatory quarantine period of 21 days and a requirement of vaccination against measles for Afghan evacuees arriving in the country. Credit: DVIDS via Storyful