As we get into the thick of the holiday season, health officials are urging Oregonians to get their flu vaccine.

With holidays, cold weather and early darkness, more people tend to gather indoors this time of year.

It’s never too late to get vaccinated, according to the Oregon Health Authority’s Dr. Howard Choi.

“Especially as we’re going into this holiday season, it will help make sure you’re not missing out on any holiday festivities, but also not getting the people around you that you care about sick,” he said.

Choi said they’re starting to see flu rates tick up in Oregon. He said nearly 1 million people in the state have gotten their flu shot. That’s about 5% lower than it was at this time last year.

He said the whole point of the vaccine is to boost your protection.

“Sometimes,

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