Almost All Afghan Refugees Vaccinated at Fort McCoy

Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 -- 1:01 PM

(WMTV) Soldiers at Fort McCoy were able to vaccinate nearly all Afghan refugees last week against a series of different diseases.

Over 97% of Afghans living temporarily on the military installation received vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella, as well as the chickenpox vaccine.

Unless a doctor determines a refugee is unable to receive a vaccination, evacuees are required to get one for the measles, COVID-19 and other diseases upon their arrival as condition of their humanitarian parole.

Operation Allies Welcome team members conducted the vaccine campaign from Sept. 16-21. Last week, officials reported that U.S.-bound flights for evacuees who had been staying temporarily in third-country processing sites were halted after measles cases were discovered among several Afghans who had recently arrived.

Military officials confirmed one case at Fort McCoy. Officials also added more than 200 resettlement partners nationwide are working with local communities to help Afghans relocate.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.