Mobile flu shot lab maximizes efficiency, readiness Published Nov. 21, 2013 By 1st Lt. Cris Medina 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland -- 433rd Airlift Wing Airmen received their annual influenza vaccination differently than in years past due to the process coming to them here Nov 16. The 433rd Medical Group transformed the Lackland Blood Donor Center mobile unit into an expedited and efficient flu shot administering process. The mobile unit made coordinated stops around the 433rd AW compound. The 433rd AW normally hosts an annual flu shot line in October but it was altered this year due to the Unit Training Assembly being rescheduled to November. The purpose of the mobile unit was to "maximize our influenza vaccine percentage by facilitating the process for our wing members," said Capt. Elvira Castillo, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "The mobile unit allows us to reach out to our members near their work sites," says Castillo, 433rd AMDS Immunizations officer in charge. The use of the mobile unit at the wing for influenza vaccinations was the first of its kind, according to Castillo. It was facilitated through the help of the Lackland Blood Donor Center. "Thanks to the support of our active duty counterparts and the Lackland Blood Donor Center's mobile unit," said Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington, 433rd AW commander. "The influenza vaccination process runs smoother and more efficient so that our members are up-to-date on their combat readiness requirements."