Health leaders in Oregon say that even though fall and winter seem far away, now is the best time to get vaccines for common respiratory viruses. This helps people build protection before indoor holiday gatherings.
“I’d like to remind everyone to think about loved ones, friends and neighbors as they plan ahead for the holiday season,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., of Oregon Health Authority (OHA)’s Public Health Division. “We are still weeks away from the season’s first holiday, Halloween—which is on a Saturday, I might add—and that’s plenty of time to get vaccinated and start building immunity against these viruses, long before the many parties and events that keep us busy in the fall.”
Sidelinger and two other doctors spoke at a media briefing to start the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season. Public health officials see the first week of October as the “unofficial start,” because flu and RSV usually begin rising during this time.
A recording of the briefing is on OHA’s YouTube channel.
Rising flu cases and COVID-19 activity
Sidelinger explained that Oregon has seen more positive flu tests recently, with a positivity rate of 3.2 percent. He said flu spread is still low but could rise quickly. He warned, “We are recommending that people in Oregon seek their flu shots soon.”
He also talked about COVID‑19. A summer increase in cases has leveled off, but it’s unclear if it has peaked. “With elevated COVID-19 spread, it is a great time to update COVID-19 protection,” said Sidelinger.
Measles outbreak in Oregon
Doctors also discussed the ongoing measles outbreak. Sidelinger said measles is widespread. Oregon has had 58 cases so far this year, the highest number since 1991.
He pointed out that 96 percent of the measles cases were in people who were unvaccinated or didn’t know their vaccination status.
For children, two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended after age one. Adults unsure of their vaccine history should talk with a health care provider.
Protecting children and communities
Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, from OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, said getting vaccinated early can reduce how severe this virus season is.
She said, “We want our kids to be where they belong: in school, with their friends, with their families, and making memories—not in bed sick or in a hospital.”
Illness is preventable
Leona O’Keefe, M.D., from Jackson Care Connect, shared that she once cared for a young father who spent weeks in the ICU because with his busy schedule, he felt he didn’t have time to get a flu shot.
She said, “I’ve supported family members through fear and sadness around these preventable diseases,” and added, “I would be devastated if one of my children was harmed by a preventable disease because I chose not to vaccinate them.”
She noted that vaccines are especially important in rural areas where hospitals may be far away.
Three key tips for families
Nolt shared three main recommendations:
1. Get vaccinated and stay up to date. Vaccines for COVID‑19, flu, RSV, and measles greatly lower the chance of serious illness.
2. Take simple steps to prevent infection. Stay home when sick. Wash your hands. Cover coughs and sneezes. Consider wearing a mask during heavy virus spread or if someone at home is high‑risk.
3. Know who is most vulnerable. Infants, older adults, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk. Talk with your doctor about prevention and what to do if someone gets sick.
Talk to a trusted health provider
O’Keefe encouraged families to reach out to medical professionals. She said, “Whenever possible, talk to a trusted medical provider. You can also call your local public health department, regardless of insurance, or go to your local pharmacy.”
How to get vaccines
People can get COVID‑19, flu, and RSV vaccines through:
• Their health plan
• A health care provider
• County public health clinics
• Federally qualified health centers
• By calling 211
• Visiting 211info.org
Now is the time to take simple steps that protect you, your family, and your community. Plan today to get the vaccines you need, talk with a trusted health provider, and help others find reliable information. By acting early, we can all help keep Oregon healthy this season.