JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Reserve Citizen Airmen with the 433rd Airlift Wing received the COVID-19 vaccine here March 6.
During this weekend, the vaccine rollout commenced during the March unit training assembly with about 600 doses available for vaccinations.
“Today has been a great day here,” said Senior Master Sgt. Lisa Green, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight chief for immunizations, and the 433rd AW vaccine coordinator for COVID-19. “You couldn’t have asked for a better process; the flow is smooth, and the wait times are short. Hopefully, in the next couple of months, we will be getting more, so we can do more.”
Green said it was a team effort and a year in the making of planning, strategizing, and preparing personnel for the first vaccine distribution.
“I think we’ve executed it well, and I think we are going to hit the mark on this one,” said Green. “For a first round, I’m extremely pleased.”
Col. Terry W. McClain, 433rd AW commander, was in the first group to receive the vaccination.
“Medical readiness is a critical component to our wing accomplishing its mission,” said McClain. “This vaccine is a way to help ensure our personnel are protected against COVID-19. We highly encourage Airmen to educate themselves on the benefits and consider receiving the vaccine to protect themselves and others.”
Airmen can research more about the COVID-19 vaccine on the 433rd AW website and Facebook page, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
“Our hope is that we can educate people in the safety of the vaccine and bring awareness,” said Green. “I think more people are going to want it after talking to others who’ve gotten it and kind of ease that burden of fear.”
Green said the use of these resources will help Airmen make a comfortable, well-informed decision on receiving the vaccine.
“Hopefully, as the other vaccines come on the scene, we’re going to get more options; get more opportunities to get everybody within the wing who wants to be vaccinated,” she said.
According to CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated people can gather indoors together without masks and with unvaccinated people who are not at an increased risk for severe illness. A fully vaccinated person, who is exposed to COVID-19, is not required get tested and complete a 14-day quarantine unless living in a group setting or symptoms exist.
Additionally, the vaccine is one way to protect yourself and others; however, the CDC advises washing hands, maintaining social distancing, and wearing a mask are essential in preventing illness.