Oregon health officials urge vaccinations as respiratory illness season begins

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is advising residents to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the fall and winter respiratory illness season. State epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger noted that while current flu transmission rates remain low, the risk of infection increases as people spend more time indoors during the colder months.

Recent data from the OHA shows an increase in positive flu tests, with the positivity rate rising from 3.5% to 5.3% last week, accompanied by 25 hospitalizations. Officials emphasize that vaccinations can take up to two weeks to become effective and urge early preparation to protect communities during the upcoming holiday season.