IN GOOD HEALTH: Preparing for respiratory illness season – Get vaccines now

By Leanna Coy, FNP-BC

As temperatures begin to cool and the holiday season gets underway with Halloween this month, it’s time to prepare for fall and winter respiratory illnesses. As we spend more time indoors in the fall and winter, we are at greater risk of passing viral infections to each other. Now is the time to protect yourself by getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID before the holiday season.

Respiratory illness season

October is the unofficial start to what the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) calls respiratory virus season. This encompasses influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, which typically increase during this time. OHA is reporting an increase in positive flu tests over the last few weeks. Statewide, last week 5.3% of flu tests were positive, with 25 hospitalizations, up from the prior week’s 3.5% and 18 hospitalizations.

Currently, flu transmission rates are low. But Dr. Dean Sidelinger, OHA’s health officer and state epidemiologist, states that could change quickly. He is recommending that Oregonians get their flu shots soon. “I’d like to remind everyone to think about loved ones, friends and neighbors as they plan for the holiday season,” said Sidelinger.

Should you update COVID-19

During the summer, COVID-19 numbers surged. This is the pattern that OHA reports as occurring annually since the pandemic in 2021. Even though levels appear to have leveled off, Sidelinger notes it is unclear whether this year’s increase has peaked yet. He recommends Oregonians update their COVID-19 vaccination to stay protected. Vaccinations are not immediately effective. It can take up to two weeks to have protection against these infections.

Lower vaccination rates

During last year’s flu season, vaccination rates in Tillamook County dropped by 4% to 24%. This was one of the steepest drops statewide. Multiple factors likely contributed to the drop. Mixed, confusing messaging from federal public health officials under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about vaccine safety continues to fuel vaccine hesitancy. County officials also believe local immigrants may have avoided vaccination clinics or events because of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the area.

Which vaccinations should you get

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is a four-state coalition of Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii that upholds and coordinates science-based public health guidelines. The WCHA recommends flu vaccines for children starting at 6 months of age, all pregnant women, and all adults. Vaccination against RSV is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months old and for children 8 to 19 months old who have additional risk factors. Pregnant women at 32 to 36 weeks’ gestational age and older adults over the age of 75 should also receive the RSV vaccine.

WCHA recommends the COVID-19 vaccination for all children starting at 6 months of age. Pregnant women and adults age 65 and older should also get an updated vaccination. Adults ages 19 to 64 years with risk factors, or who are in close contact with individuals with risk factors, should stay up to date with this vaccination.

Where to go for vaccines

The Oregon Health Plan, Medicare, and most private health insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccinations. Both the Tillamook County Community Health Centers and the Nehalem Bay Health Center offer sliding scale options for those without insurance coverage.