Oregon health officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated now as the 2026-27 respiratory virus season gets underway with a rise in flu activity, continued COVID-19 spread and the state’s largest measles outbreak in more than three decades.
Dr. Dean Sidelinger, health officer and state epidemiologist with the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, joined two other physicians Wednesday for a media briefing to mark the start of the season. Public health officials consider the first week of October the unofficial beginning of the respiratory virus season because influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, typically pick up during that time.
Sidelinger said the state has seen an increase in positive flu tests in recent weeks, with test positivity at 3.2%. Although flu transmission remains low, he said conditions could shift quickly and recommended that Oregonians get their flu shots soon.
Getting vaccinated in the coming weeks would allow time to build immunity before the holiday season, Sidelinger said, noting that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year.
“I’d like to remind everyone to think about loved ones, friends and neighbors as they plan ahead for the holiday season,” he said.
COVID-19 activity surged over the summer, a pattern the state has seen every year since 2021. Sidelinger said that increase has leveled off, though it remains unclear whether it has peaked. With spread still elevated, he said it is a good time for people to update their COVID-19 protection.
The briefing also addressed the ongoing measles outbreak, which Sidelinger described as widespread in Oregon. The state had confirmed 58 cases as of Sept. 28, the most since 1991, when Oregon recorded 93 cases. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
Sidelinger called the figure sobering, adding that 96% of the cases involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
The risk of severe measles illness is very low for vaccinated people, according to the health authority, while anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk because the virus spreads rapidly in unvaccinated communities. Two doses of the MMR vaccine after a child’s first birthday are recommended for children. Adults without records of two MMR doses can consult a health care provider about their immunity and whether a vaccine would be beneficial while measles is circulating in the state.
Dr. Dawn Nolt, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, said early vaccination offers a chance to lessen the season’s impact.
“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,” Nolt said.
Nolt offered three recommendations for families. The first is to stay current on vaccines against COVID-19, flu, RSV and measles, which she said can sharply reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. The second is to take basic precautions such as staying home when sick, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and considering a mask when viruses are circulating widely or a household member is especially vulnerable. The third is to recognize who faces the greatest risk — infants, older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions — and to talk with a health care provider about prevention and what to do if someone becomes ill.
Dr. Leona O’Keefe, medical director of clinical services at Jackson Care Connect in Jackson County, described caring for a young father who spent weeks in the hospital, including time in intensive care, after contracting the flu. He had not been vaccinated because he felt he could not fit it into his busy schedule.
O’Keefe said prevention can be particularly important in rural areas, where families may live far from hospitals or specialists and a serious illness can mean long trips and added stress for patients and caregivers.
She also encouraged people to consult a trusted medical provider. Those without a primary care physician can call the assigned physician or nurse advice line listed on their insurance card, contact their local public health department regardless of insurance status or visit a pharmacy, she said.
COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines are available through health plans, health care providers, county public health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Residents can also call 211 or visit 211info.org for help finding a vaccine.