INTERVIEWS: Time To Get Your Fall Vaccines! (Photo) (B-roll) - 09/21/26
PORTLAND, Ore. (September 21, 2026) – As respiratory virus season approaches, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is encouraging community members to get vaccinated now against flu and COVID-19. Now is a good time to get vaccinated, helping ensure protection is in place before viruses begin circulating more widely this fall and winter.
Health experts recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, along with updated COVID-19 vaccination for eligible children and adults. RSV prevention options are also available for certain infants, pregnant people, older adults, and others at higher risk based on current recommendations. Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Kaiser Permanente Northwest.
"Getting vaccinated early in cold and flu season gives your immune system time to build protection before respiratory viruses begin spreading more broadly in our communities," said Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, internal medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "Vaccines remain our best tool for preventing serious illness, reducing hospitalizations and helping people stay healthy through the fall and winter months. Whether you're heading back to school, returning to the office or preparing for holiday gatherings, now is the time to get up to date."
"Many people have made annual flu shots part of their routine but aren't sure whether they still need a COVID vaccine," Dr. Glassberg added. "The reality is that COVID is present throughout the year, and continues to send people to the hospital. Just like the flu vaccine, COVID vaccines are updated to provide protection against currently circulating strains and remain one of our best tools for preventing severe illness. Now is a good time to get vaccinated so you're protected against COVID before cases start to rise."
While flu and COVID-19 can affect people of all ages, older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions remain at higher risk for serious complications. Health care providers recommend vaccination as an important step in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and missed work, school, and activities.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available throughout the community, including at Kaiser Permanente Northwest clinics, physician offices, pharmacies, and other vaccination locations. Health experts encourage people to get vaccinated now so they have protection in place before respiratory virus activity increases later this fall.
Interviews Available
Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, Internal Medicine Physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.
Dr. Glassberg can discuss:
- Why now is an ideal time to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19
- Whether people still need a COVID vaccine and current recommendations
- Current vaccine recommendations for children and adults
- Differences between flu, COVID-19, and RSV, and who is most at risk for severe illness
- How vaccines help reduce hospitalizations and serious complications
- What families can do now to prepare for respiratory virus season
B-roll Available on request:
- Facility signage
- Cleaning/preparation of an injection site with alcohol
- Bandage application
- Refrigeration units
- Clinicians and staff restocking supplies or organizing workspaces
- Providers sanitizing their hands
- Clinicians verifying patient information
- Medium and close-up shots of individuals sniffling, blowing their noses, or coughing
Usage Note: This b-roll is approved solely for use in the specific story for which it is being provided. Any future use requires permission from Kaiser Permanente. The footage may not be repurposed as generic file video for flu-related or other Kaiser Permanente stories without prior approval.
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 12.9 million members in 9 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, go to about.kp.org.
