news-record.com

The Guiford County Department of Public Health is opening the influenza vaccination season with a little flair by taking advantage of text messaging technology.

The agency is participating in "Tackle the Flu," North Carolina's flu vaccination campaign. By using text messaging, people can enter a drawing to win four tickets to any professional sports event of their choice in the state. Participants also will receive several reminder messages about getting a flu shot. Anyone can enter by texting "TACKLEFLU" to 94253.

This year, health officials are encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated. Ten children died from the flu in North Carolina and nationally 115 pediatric deaths were reported last year.

"We want folks to get excited about getting a flu shot," Guilford County Health Director Merle Green said. "It's the right thing to do to protect your health and the health of others."

Although the formulation for this year's vaccine is the same as last year's, people need a new vaccination because effectiveness can wane over time. The vaccine includes prevention against H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, and two strains of seasonal flu. Children age 8 and younger who have not had a flu shot previously will need two doses.

The health department has three types of vaccines this season: the injection, including vaccines free of the thimerosal preservative, nasal mist, and the higher antigen Fluzone-High Dose for people age 65 and older.

Meanwhile, major pharmacy chains have offered flu shots since August. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while 39.8 percent of adults received flu vaccinations in the doctor's office, 18.4 percent received them in pharmacies and supermarkets, an increase of more than 11 percent from the 2006-07 season.
In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccination, health experts also urge people to practice hand-washing hygiene and coughing and sneezing into a bended elbow or sleeve to avoid spreading viruses.