FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dec. 4, 2012

Media Contact
Katie Nannini, Assistant Director, Immunize Nevada
775.762.2348, katie@immunizenevada.org

Immunize Nevada Launches “Give Us Your Best Shot” Facebook Photo Contest

Reno, Nev. (Dec. 4, 2012) - As flu season rears its ugly head, Immunize Nevada has launched the “Give Us Your Best Shot” photo contest to promote the importance of receiving a flu vaccination. The contest’s launch is in conjunction with this week’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). Participants are invited to capture a photo of themselves, their family, or someone they know getting a flu vaccine. Then they can go to Facebook.com/ImmunizeNevada and submit the photo in one of six categories: family, teens, seniors, pregnant, best Nevada sports fan, and best Nevada workplace. One submission from each category will be randomly selected and awarded a $150 Visa gift card. Immunize Nevada will be accepting submissions from Dec. 1 to Jan. 30, 2013.

“Our goal with this photo contest is simply to encourage people to get themselves and their loved ones vaccinated,” said Heidi Parker, executive director of Immunize Nevada. “We know that no one looks forward to getting a flu shot, but it is the single best way to protect yourself from the flu and this contest adds incentive to get the immunization. By getting vaccinated you protect not only yourself, but everyone around you as well. Hopefully the photo contest encourages everyone to get vaccinated and even lets people have a little fun with their flu shot this year.”

Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications. Flu viruses are constantly changing and each season different flu viruses can spread; affecting people differently based on their body’s ability to fight infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a three-step approach to fighting flu: vaccination, everyday preventative actions and the correct use of antiviral drugs that your doctor recommends. There are numerous places to get low-cost or free flu shots. Nevadans can visit InfluenceNevada.org for a full list of clinics in your area.

People can learn more about the Give Us Your Best Shot contest or submit a photo at Facebook.com/ImmunizeNevada.

Watch the Give Us Your Best Shot contest video.

###