Fallen leaves and accidental sneezes are annual reminders that flu season is here.
The CDC and Oregon Health Authority have information on how to prevent the spread of the flu, and OHA says it’s best to get vaccinated against the flu every year. The latest 2024-2025 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and influenza vaccines are available and recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months of age and older.
With that in mind, below is seasonal flu vaccine dosing and COVID-19 booster information.
General vaccine information
As COVID-19 infection rates soared over the summer, vaccines for the disease are in short supply for some people. With the latest vaccinations available for 2024-2025, residents across Lane County now have a choice of where to update their vaccination records.
Lane County Health and Human Services Public Information Officer Jason Davis said the first step is to talk to your health care provider. Your PCP can answer your questions and consider possible health effects from characteristics such as weakened immune system or age when creating a care plan for vaccinations. As for Lane County Health and Human Services, he said, “We are health advocates, not vaccine advocates.”
Davis said the vaccines are generally effective and safe. He said these vaccinations are “targeted” to the needs of that season’s specific virus strain, and that the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines are both well-matched to the disease they are targeting. .
“Neither of these vaccines are perfect, so it’s possible that you can get sick even if you’re vaccinated. That’s a real possibility,” Davis said. “But if you’re vaccinated, in most cases, the illness you would experience if you come into contact with the virus after being vaccinated will be less severe than it would otherwise be. Are you preventing labor? Either way it’s a plus because you’re reducing the overall impact of the disease on you.”
He said another misconception people have about vaccines is that the vaccination itself will make you sick.
“You can’t get sick from the shot. You can’t get sick from either shot. If you’re vaccinated, you can’t get sick,” Davis said. “Right now, you may feel tired, have pain in the area, or have other symptoms, but the vaccination will not give you the chance to get the flu or coronavirus.”
Influenza vaccine information
Lane County Public Health is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at LCPH’s 151 W. 7th Ave. Suite 310 location. Call (541) 682-4041 to schedule an appointment.
People age 7 and older can get a flu shot at their health care provider or pharmacy. Children under the age of 6 can usually receive the flu vaccine through their health care provider or by appointment at LCPH.
LCPH accepts the Oregon Health Plan (Trillium and Pacific Source), as well as private insurance and most Medicare plans. Latest influenza vaccine costs for 2024-2025 from LCPH:
Seasonal Influenza (6 months and older) $49.50, Preservative-free Seasonal Influenza (6+ months) $50 High Dose Influenza (65+) $116.50
The Keizer Permanente Eugene location at 360 S. Garden Way, Suite 105 in Eugene is open for reservations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keizer Permanente members who use PeaceHealth affiliated clinics can receive flu shots by appointment in Lane County. in:
PeaceHealth Barger Senior Health Clinic, 4010 Aerial Way, Suite 110, Eugene,PeaceHealth Barger Family Medicine Clinic, 40101 Aerial Way, Eugene,PeaceHealth Barger Pediatrics, 4010 Aerial Way, 2nd Floor, Eugene,PeaceHealth Cottage Grove, 1515 Village Dr., Cottage Grove,PeaceHealth Creswell, 180 Melton Rd., Creswell,PeaceHealth Florence, 380 & 390 9th Street, Florence,PeaceHealth Hilyard Pediatrics, 1200 Hilyard Street, Suite 440, Eugene,PeaceHealth Pleasant Hill, 35859 Highway 58, Pleasant Hill,PeaceHealth RiverBend Pavilion , 3377 RiverBend Dr., Springfield, PeaceHealth Santa Clara, 2484 River Rd., Eugene, PeaceHealth South Eugene, 3299 Hilyard Street, Eugene, PeaceHealth University District, 1200 Hilyard St., Suite 230, Eugene, PeaceHealth Valley River Pediatrics Plus, 1400 Valley River Dr., #110, Eugene, and PeaceHealth Walk-In Clinic Woodfield Station, 2846 Willamette Street, Eugene.
New coronavirus infection (COVID-19) vaccine information
The latest COVID-19 vaccines are typically available at most locations where other vaccinations are administered, including primary care providers and pharmacies. Vaccination.gov can help you find a vaccination site near you, but it may not have up-to-date vaccination status.
Pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid, Safeway, and Albertsons typically carry the latest COVID-19 vaccines, but you should check with each health care provider for vaccine and appointment availability.
disease prevention
The CDC’s 2024-2025 respiratory virus season outlook predicts that this season’s highest winter incidence will be higher than the previous summer/fall peak.
“There’s a lot going on right now, and it’s happening all over the place. There’s a lot of viruses out there, adenovirus, RSV, rhinovirus. So these two are particularly important in increasing the severity of the disease they cause. It’s a big target when you think about it, but there’s still a lot more going on,” Davis said. “That’s why it’s so important to look at the whole spectrum of prevention.”
OHA’s best practices for preventing the spread of germs during flu season include:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm running water for at least 15 seconds, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and cover your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you are sick, avoid contact with sick people and stay home. Practice good health habits that strengthen your body’s immunity, such as getting enough sleep and exercise, managing stress, drinking enough fluids, and eating well.
Hannarose McGuinness is a growth and development reporter for The Register-Guard. Contact her at athmcguinness@registerguard.com.
