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Don’t bring a respiratory virus home for the holidays. Get vaccinated before the celebrations begin!

Posted on by franciabautistasanchez
Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more likely to spread when we gather together to socialize indoors. Now is a good time to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others from severe illness. 

Vaccine guidance

The governors of Oregon, California, Hawaii and Washington formed the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) to safeguard scientific expertise and vaccine access for people living in those states. Find full details about their vaccination guidance in the WCHA 2025–2026 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations. 

COVID 19 

Infants and children: The WCHA recommends that all children 6 months and older get the COVID-19 vaccination. It’s especially important for children who have or are in close contact with others with risk factors. 

Pregnancy: Anyone planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum or lactating should get the vaccine. 

Adults: The WCHA highly recommends that all adults 65 and older be vaccinated. It’s equally important for adults younger than 65 who have or are in close contact with others with risk factors. 

All others who want protection 

Influenza 

The WCHA recommends all adults and anyone who is planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum or lactating get vaccinated. Also, all children 6 months or older should be vaccinated. 

RSV 

Adults 75 and older and those older than 50 with risk factors should be vaccinated. If you’ve been vaccinated before, you won’t need another dose.  

Infants can be protected through maternal vaccination or by getting an infant RSV antibody, either nirsevimab or clesrovimab. Nirsevimab is also recommended for some young children. Talk to your health care provider to decide what’s best for your situation. 

a COVID-19 vaccine is available for persons 6 months of age and older. 

b Protect infants with either prenatal RSV vaccine or infant dose of nirsevimab or clesrovimab. 

c Effective September 15, 2025, see https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/infants-young-children.html for additional information on risk factors for severe RSV disease in children 8-19 months. 

d Adult RSV immunization recommendations are currently for a single lifetime dose. Those who have previously received a dose do not need a second dose. 

e Effective September 15, 2025, see https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/adults.html for additional information on risk factors for severe RSV disease in adults 50-74 years.

For more information 

For vaccine-related questions, contact the Oregon Immunization Program Help Desk, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., at 1-800-980-9431 or VFC.help@odhsoha.oregon.gov.