Fort McCoy Conducts Second Vaccination Campaign

Photo By Sgt. Caitlin Wilkins | Capt. Sonia Singh, a medical surgical nurse assigned to Task Force McCoy, gives a vaccination to an Afghan evacuee at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Oct. 26, 2021, as part of Operation Allies Welcome. Task Force McCoy hosted a mass vaccination event to ensure Afghan evacuees are provided with the opportunity to receive the required immunizations and boosters. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan evacuees essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caitlin Wilkins, 50th Public Affairs Detachment)  

FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES

11.10.2021

Story by Pfc. Caitlin Wilkins 

Operation Allies Welcome - Operation Allies Refuge   

FORT McCOY, Wis. -- Task Force McCoy conducted a second mass vaccination campaign for Afghan evacuees living here as part of Operation Allies Welcome.

The second campaign began Oct. 25 and ended Oct. 29, with approximately 11,230 Afghan evacuees receiving vaccinations between the first and second campaigns as part of the immunization portion of the immigration processing requirements set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Guests have received, through the mass vaccination campaigns and exams, the vaccines required for immigration purposes as recommended by the CDC,” explained Col. James Phillips, Task Force McCoy officer in charge of the Medical Readiness Processing. “Most have received the second vaccinations in some series deemed important in this congregate living setting.”

Afghan evacuees are receiving vaccinations against the measles, mumps, and rubella and varicella, among others, with many evacuees meeting more than the CDC's minimum standards.

“Our end goal is to complete the MMR, varicella, COVID-19 and flu vaccine series,” said Phillips. “Around 99+ percent have been vaccinated at least to the minimum CDC standards, many further than that. This includes COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.”

“It has been personally special to be involved in this early phase of these guest’s American journey by helping get their immigration exam requirements done, and help protect their health while here at Fort McCoy,” said Phillips.

The first mass vaccination event was conducted Sept. 16 until Sept. 21, and vaccinated more than 97 percent of the Afghan evacuee population at Fort McCoy.

• Date Taken: 11.10.2021
• Date Posted: 11.10.2021 15:35
• Story ID: 409160
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US