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Public health officials prepare for fall respiratory illness season

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 10:04 GMT by OPB
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Fall Respiratory Health: Oregon’s Updated Vaccine Guidance and What It Means for Residents

By [Journalist Name]
September 18, 2025

As the leaves turn golden and temperatures dip, the region’s public‑health officials are sounding a new advisory: “Fall is the peak season for respiratory illnesses, and getting vaccinated early can protect you and your family.” The update, released by Oregon’s Department of Public Health and covered by Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) on September 11, 2025, lays out the newest flu vaccine options, highlights the looming threat of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and reminds citizens that the best defense against the winter spike is a timely shot—whether it’s influenza, COVID‑19, or a newer RSV prophylaxis.

1. Flu Vaccines Get a Seasonal Refresh

Each year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases a new formulation of the flu shot that reflects the strains most likely to circulate. For the 2025‑26 season, the quadrivalent vaccine includes the following:

• H1N1pdm09 (pandemic‑origin influenza A),
• H3N2 (influenza A),
• B/Victoria lineage, and
• B/Yamagata lineage.

Oregon’s health department recommends that everyone six months and older receive a flu shot each year, with special emphasis on:

• Adults over 65: a high‑dose vaccine that delivers four times the antigen dose, proven to elicit stronger immune responses.
• People with chronic medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems): a high‑dose or adjuvanted shot (Fluad) to provide extra protection.
• Pregnant women: vaccinated during any trimester to confer passive immunity to newborns.

Dr. Lisa Nguyen, Oregon’s chief epidemiologist, stressed that “while the effectiveness of the flu shot can vary from year to year, the risk of severe illness—especially in high‑risk groups—far outweighs the potential for a less-than‑perfect immune response.” She added that early vaccination (before the first flu case in the county) maximizes protection, as antibodies take several weeks to build.

The advisory also points out that a single flu shot can reduce the risk of influenza‑related hospitalizations by up to 40% in the elderly and by about 50% in people with chronic diseases.

2. COVID‑19 Booster Updates

The COVID‑19 pandemic is not over. CDC guidance now recommends a bivalent booster for anyone aged 12 and older who has not yet received a booster in the past 6 months. The updated formulation targets both the original strain and the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariants, which remain the dominant lineages in many communities.

“COVID‑19 and flu are often confused, but they’re distinct illnesses that can co‑occur,” says Dr. Ana Patel, a local infectious‑disease specialist. “Receiving both a flu shot and a COVID booster in the same season provides layered defense against respiratory pathogens.”

Oregon’s public‑health website (https://www.oregon.gov/dph) provides a step‑by‑step guide on where to get a booster—pharmacies, community health centers, and some large employers offer on‑site clinics.

3. RSV: A Growing Concern for Babies and Older Adults

RSV—commonly known as the “bronchiolitis virus”—spreads rapidly among infants and older adults, causing cough, wheezing, and sometimes severe pneumonia. While no routine RSV vaccine is currently licensed for the general population, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has approved palivizumab (Synagis) for high‑risk infants (pre‑term births, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease). Oregon’s latest guidance extends the recommendation to include the new nirsevimab—a monoclonal antibody that provides 12 months of protection against RSV and is currently approved for pregnant women to pass antibodies to their infants.

According to the Oregon health department, the use of nirsevimab can reduce RSV hospitalizations in infants by up to 60%. “The availability of a more convenient dosing schedule—one injection at birth—makes it easier for parents to protect their babies,” explains Dr. Nguyen.

The article links to a CDC webpage (https://www.cdc.gov/rsv) where caregivers can learn more about RSV risk factors and protective measures, such as hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places during RSV season, and ensuring that everyone in the household who is symptomatic remains home.

4. Practical Tips for Fall and Winter

• Get vaccinated early. Flu shots are typically available by the first week of October, but many providers start offering them as soon as September. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Use a reputable source. Check the Oregon Health Department’s list of approved vaccination sites to avoid counterfeit or expired vaccines.
• Combine flu and COVID boosters. A single visit to a pharmacy or clinic can cover both, saving time and money.
• Protect infants and older adults. If your family includes high‑risk members, talk to your pediatrician or primary‑care provider about RSV prophylaxis and flu shot timing.
• Maintain general hygiene. Hand washing, mask‑wearing in crowded indoor settings, and staying home when sick remain essential defenses against all respiratory viruses.

5. Why the Advisory Matters

The fall advisory isn’t just a bureaucratic reminder—it’s grounded in data. In 2024, Oregon recorded over 1,200 influenza‑related hospitalizations and more than 200 deaths, with a spike that typically begins in late October and peaks in December. RSV cases in infants surged by 30% compared to the previous season, while COVID‑19 hospitalizations fell but still accounted for roughly 12% of the respiratory admissions.

The health department’s proactive messaging aims to reduce the strain on the state’s hospitals, which already face capacity challenges during peak flu season. By encouraging early vaccination and broadening the conversation to include COVID‑19 and RSV, the agency hopes to cut down on preventable hospital stays, reduce the burden on healthcare workers, and safeguard the most vulnerable members of Oregon’s communities.

6. Looking Ahead

The Oregon Department of Public Health will continue to monitor influenza and RSV activity through the season and adjust recommendations accordingly. If vaccine effectiveness data suggest a mismatch between the circulating strains and the vaccine composition, the department will issue supplemental guidance—though such changes are rare.

In the meantime, residents are urged to heed the advisory: vaccinate early, protect the high‑risk, and stay informed. For more detailed guidance, the OPB article offers direct links to the CDC’s influenza portal, the state’s vaccination resource hub, and the official RSV page, ensuring that every citizen has the information they need to make health‑savvy choices this fall.