A flu shot awaits you

Everybody needs a shot in the arm about this time of year, and state health officials are ready.

Flu shots are now being offered throughout the Triangle, at doctor's offices, public health clinics, drugstores, grocery stores and elsewhere. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all children over the age of 6 months get the vaccine. In addition, older people, pregnant women and adults with health conditions such as asthma and diabetes should get shots.

Last year, more than 1,600 people in North Carolina died from influenza and pneumonia, including 12 children, according to the state's mortality data.

"It is the best way you can prevent getting influenza, and avoid the unnecessary hospitalizations and complications for some of the highest risk groups," said Dr. Leah Devlin, state health director. "You also won't be a transmitter. It's important to protect the health of others around you."

Devlin said supplies of the vaccine this year are abundant and have been delivered on time. In some previous years, supplies were delivered late or had to be rationed.

Devlin also said this year's shots are believed to be a better match for the strains of the virus that are likely to circulate. Last year, two of the three strains in the vaccine missed their mark, creating a jump in illness last February that was much higher than in the previous three years.

"We encourage people to get shots now -- don't wait," Devlin said.