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News Release

INTERVIEWS: Flu Cases Rising During The Holidays - 12/17/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (December 17, 2025) – As Oregonians head into the winter holidays, early signs point to increasing flu activity while vaccination rates for both flu and COVID-19 are trailing last year. With millions expected to travel and gather indoors over the coming weeks, Kaiser Permanente physicians are urging people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and their families.

 

According to the Oregon Health Authority, flu hospitalizations in the Portland area are beginning to rise, with early-season numbers increasing heading into December. At the same time, both flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates are running below last year’s pace. With flu activity historically building through December and January, and national data showing the virus spreading more quickly in parts of the country, public health experts are urging people to get vaccinated now. Flu shots can also help prevent complications such as ear infections in children, making them especially important for families during peak respiratory season.

 

“We’re seeing flu cases picking up, but there’s still plenty of time to protect yourself,” said Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “The flu vaccine is one of the simplest ways to prevent severe illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Tens of thousands of Americans die from influenza every year, and the risks from the vaccine are very, very low. National experts are aligned in recommending that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year, including the two-dose series for infants getting vaccinated for the first time.”

As we head into the holidays, a flu shot now gives your body enough time to build protection before going into crowded airports, classrooms or living rooms, and it can help prevent serious illness, especially in kids, older adults, and people with chronic conditions.

 

Interviews available:

Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m.-noon. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

 

Dr. Glassberg is prepared to discuss:

  • The current landscape of flu in Oregon and what to watch for in December and January
  • Why flu and COVID vaccination rates are declining and how that affects community health
  • How flu vaccines reduce complications and severe outcomes (including ear infections in young children)
  • What families should know before traveling or gathering for the holidays
  • Healthy behaviors to avoid getting sick this season

About Kaiser Permanente
 Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org.

 

INTERVIEWS: Flu Cases Rising During The Holidays - 12/17/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (December 17, 2025) – As Oregonians head into the winter holidays, early signs point to increasing flu activity while vaccination rates for both flu and COVID-19 are trailing last year. With millions expected to travel and gather indoors over the coming weeks, Kaiser Permanente physicians are urging people to get vaccinated now to protect themselves and their families.

 

According to the Oregon Health Authority, flu hospitalizations in the Portland area are beginning to rise, with early-season numbers increasing heading into December. At the same time, both flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates are running below last year’s pace. With flu activity historically building through December and January, and national data showing the virus spreading more quickly in parts of the country, public health experts are urging people to get vaccinated now. Flu shots can also help prevent complications such as ear infections in children, making them especially important for families during peak respiratory season.

 

“We’re seeing flu cases picking up, but there’s still plenty of time to protect yourself,” said Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “The flu vaccine is one of the simplest ways to prevent severe illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Tens of thousands of Americans die from influenza every year, and the risks from the vaccine are very, very low. National experts are aligned in recommending that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year, including the two-dose series for infants getting vaccinated for the first time.”

As we head into the holidays, a flu shot now gives your body enough time to build protection before going into crowded airports, classrooms or living rooms, and it can help prevent serious illness, especially in kids, older adults, and people with chronic conditions.

 

Interviews available:

Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m.-noon. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

 

Dr. Glassberg is prepared to discuss:

  • The current landscape of flu in Oregon and what to watch for in December and January
  • Why flu and COVID vaccination rates are declining and how that affects community health
  • How flu vaccines reduce complications and severe outcomes (including ear infections in young children)
  • What families should know before traveling or gathering for the holidays
  • Healthy behaviors to avoid getting sick this season

About Kaiser Permanente
 Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org.