(GREENSBORO) -- The flu season is fast approaching and health agencies across the North Carolina are urging citizens to get vaccinated. Dr. Ward Robinson, Guilford County Health Department Medical Director, said just about everybody should get the flu shot.

"Six months and older, everyone can get it.  It use to be that you had to have some underlying disease or elderly population, pregnant women, it's all comers now, so we don't have to fit you into a slot in order to be eligible to get the vaccine," said Robinson.

Concerns over side affects from a flu shot are unfounded, according to Robinson. At most a person might get a low grade fever or experience some soreness at the injection site.

Another point Robinson wants to make sure the public understands is that the flu vaccine is effective from season to season.  "For example, if you got the vaccine now, would it protect you in February or March and the answer is yes.  The time to get the vaccine is as soon as it is available."

The state Division of Health is launching the "Tackle the Flu" campaign. The public is encourage to join in by texting TACKLEFLU to 94253. This activates reminders about getting a flu shot. Everyone who registers is also eligible to win four tickets to any North Carolina professional sporting event.

(Thanks to: WSJS)