Samaritan Encourages Vaccination Ahead of Peak Flu Season September 29, 2026 As children head back to school and adults transition from summer outdoor activities to indoor pursuits, the Mid-Valley is expected to see an increase in respiratory viruses. Seasonal influenza remains one of the most significant respiratory illnesses expected this time of year. Influenza can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems. Other respiratory viruses also circulate during the fall and winter months. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from seasonal respiratory viruses. The West Coast Health Alliance, a partnership of public health agencies in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington, recently issued recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season. “Flu can cause serious illness and hospitalization every year, especially among those at higher risk,” said Adam Brady, MD. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community during respiratory virus season.” The alliance recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. Children ages 6 months through 8 years receiving a flu vaccine for the first time should receive two doses at least four weeks apart. The guidance also emphasizes protecting those most vulnerable to severe illness, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and individuals who live or work with high-risk populations. The alliance recommends high-dose flu vaccines for adults age 65 and older. While COVID-19 generally causes less severe illness than it did earlier in the pandemic because of widespread immunity and changes in the virus, it remains highly contagious and can still cause significant illness among vulnerable populations. New this year, WCHA recommends COVID-19 and flu vaccines for all healthcare workers. WCHA also recommends COVID-19 vaccination for infants ages 6 to 23 months; children ages 2 to 18 with risk factors; adults ages 19 to 64 with risk factors; all pregnant women; and adults age 65 and older. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is another seasonal respiratory virus that can lead to severe illness, particularly among older adults and infants. To help protect infants, health experts recommend either maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy or preventive antibody treatment for eligible infants. RSV vaccination is also recommended for certain older adults and generally is administered once rather than annually. Samaritan offers flu vaccination clinics throughout Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties, including at SamCare Express locations, provider offices and Samaritan pharmacies. Information about COVID-19 and RSV vaccines is available at samhealth.org/Flu. Samaritan Health Services encourages everyone to prepare for respiratory virus season by getting vaccinated, washing their hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning commonly touched surfaces and staying home when sick. More information about when and where to seek care is available at samhealth.org/WhereToGo.
