The IDF began today (Sunday) a widespread vaccination campaign of the forces fighting in the Gaza Strip against the polio virus, which is transmitted by drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water. This follows the discovery of virus residues in sampling tests conducted in sewage in various locations in the Strip.
According to a statement from the IDF spokesman, the decision on the vaccination was made in coordination with the Ministry of Health, with the aim of protecting the health of soldiers and Israeli citizens. The vaccinations will be gradually given to all maneuvering forces, both regular and reserve, as part of the force refreshers.
IDF sources said that the vaccine being given is a killed type, and soldiers who have not been vaccinated in the past will receive two doses. However, it was emphasized that a soldier who refuses to be vaccinated will not be obligated to do so.
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In addition to vaccinations, the Ministry of Health also recommended that the IDF instruct soldiers stationed in the Strip to wash their hands with soap and water, rubbing their hands together for at least 15 seconds after leaving the bathroom, before preparing and touching food, and before entering rest areas.
They also recommended removing mud from shoes, wiping the shoes with a wet cloth before entering a rest area, and doing all of these things, including changing uniforms, when the fighters leave the Gaza Strip for Israeli territory.
The IDF estimates that the risk of infection among fighters is low, since they only use bottled water.
At the same time, the IDF is working to introduce vaccines to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
Since the beginning of the war, about 300,000 polio vaccines have been introduced into Gaza, enough for more than a million civilians. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Maj. Gen. Rasan Alian, is in contact with the international community to introduce additional vaccine doses.
