Virginians Encouraged to Get Annual Flu Vaccine, Immunizations to Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses During Event at Riverside Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 15, 2026

Media Contact:
VDH: Maria Reppas, Director of Communications, maria.reppas@vdh.virginia.gov
VHHA: Julian Walker, Vice President of Communications, jtwalker@vhha.com

Virginians Encouraged to Get Annual Flu Vaccine, Immunizations to Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses During Event at Riverside Health
State Health Commissioner, Leaders from the Virginia Department of Health, Riverside Health, and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Gather to Promote Flu Vaccines as a Way to Protect Public Health, Families, and Communities

RICHMOND, VA – Each year, the dawn of fall coincides with the arrival of the cold, flu, and respiratory illness season that spans October through May, with peak illness typically occurring from December through February.

During the moderately severe 2025-2026 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 32-57 million Americans contracted the flu, resulting in 15-25 million medical visits, 390,000-800,000 hospitalizations and 24,000-81,000 deaths. In addition to impacting public health, flu season also has a significant financial cost – a Global Healthy Living Foundation analysis found that the 2023-2024 flu season cost the U.S. economy nearly $29 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Seasonal immunization against flu, as well as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is an effective way for people to protect themselves and those around them from the harmful effects of illness during respiratory season. Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. B. Cameron Webb, officials with the Virginia Department of Health, leaders from Riverside Health, and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA), shared that message during a joint event today in Newport News.

Dr. Webb was among those who rolled up his sleeve to receive a flu vaccine during the event held at the Riverside Internal Medicine Warwick facility to demonstrate that getting a flu vaccine is a quick, simple, and safe process. Everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions, should get a seasonal flu vaccine. Other healthcare leaders sharing that message at the Newport News event included Riverside Regional Medical Center President and Riverside Health Senior Vice President of the Acute Care Division Dr. Michael Oshiki, Riverside Medical Group Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sally Ryan, and VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. A livestream video of the event can be viewed through this link.

“Flu, COVID-19, and RSV can have serious health impacts for our most vulnerable residents including older adults, young children, and anyone living with a chronic health condition,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “Every year, these respiratory viruses account for tens of thousands of visits to urgent care and emergency rooms, resulting in longer waits, missed work and school, and a health system stretched thin right when families need it most. But we have tools that work. VDH recommends vaccination for children and adults this season to help protect themselves and the people around them.”

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and even death in some cases. Flu viruses can be detected year-round in the United States, however they are most common in the fall and winter. While anyone can contract the flu and develop serious illness, people at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications include young children, people 65 years and older, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. The flu can be spread to people through coughing, sneezing, or talking. People with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days of their illness.

“Annual flu vaccines are a proven way to help protect against serious illness and reduce the impact of influenza on individuals, families and communities,” said Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. “Getting vaccinated can also help reduce the strain on hospitals and healthcare providers during respiratory virus season. We encourage Virginians to make vaccination part of their fall health routine.”

Added Dr. Michael Oshiki, President of Riverside Regional Medical Center and Senior Vice President of the Acute Care Division for Riverside Health: “Influenza can have serious consequences, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions. We see firsthand the difference that prevention can make when patients are protected before they become seriously ill. Getting vaccinated before flu activity increases is an important way to reduce that risk and help keep our communities healthy.”

Vaccines are the best protection against respiratory viruses and widely available through healthcare providers, pharmacies, health departments, and other vaccination sites.

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