Be wise, immunize Published Aug. 15, 2013 By Senior Airman John D. Partlow 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In order to deploy down-range, military members must have an array of equipment ranging from weapons, to clean socks. One item some forget about is their immunizations. Luckily, August is Immunization Awareness Month, and the 47th Medical Group here is always ready to assist Laughlin airmen in getting their required shots. "We can't meet the mission if we can't deploy," said Maj. Michelle Schnakenberg, 47th Medical Group Family Health and Flight Medicine flight commander. "The immunization clinic allows us to fulfill shot requirements here instead of using money to send them elsewhere." Apart from deploying, immunizations offer other benefits for Laughlin families. "We're a big force in preventing disease on Laughlin," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Lantgen, 47th MDG NCO in charge of Immunization/Allergy. "Keeping everyone healthy here is our number one goal." "Whether it's children or student pilots, it feels good knowing I have an effect on people's lives," said Lantgen. Part of Lantgen's interaction with base personnel comes from administering Department of Defense or local school required shots. "A lot of shots for children are needed before the age of two, so it's important for parents to bring their kids in as soon as they can," said Lantgen. "There have been cases where school admissions have been suspended because parents didn't get their children vaccinated in time." With the flu season just around the corner, Laughlin members are also encouraged to ensure they receive the proper flu vaccination this September. More than 3,000 flu vaccines have been given within the year to ensure the health of Laughlin families, and for Capt. Eugenia Rush, disease manager and infection control officer, doing her job is about more than just the numbers. "It gives us a great deal of accomplishment and responsibility when we support the mission," Rush said.