September 29, 2026

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov 

PORTLAND, Ore. — Physicians from Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Health & Science University and Jackson Care Connect in Southern Oregon will hold a virtual media briefing at 11 a.m. tomorrow – Wednesday, Sept. 30 – to discuss the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.

Speakers include: 

• Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist, OHA Public Health Division
• Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
• Leona O’Keefe, M.D., medical director of clinical services at Jackson Care Connect in Jackson County 

The physicians will discuss respiratory virus activity to date and what’s expected during the coming season; recent developments in vaccines; and how people can protect themselves and others from COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and measles, especially as the holidays approach.

Interested reporters can join via Zoom at this link. A livestream for the public also is available via YouTube at this link.

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