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The lifting of the COVID-19 pandemic’s state mask requirements has prompted many Oregonians to remove them, giving health officials an opportunity to remind people about the importance of influenza vaccinations.

Oregon is seeing a late-season rise in flu cases – flu season generally peaks around late January or February –  making the virus easier to spread, according to Oregon Health Authority communicable disease experts.

“The 2020-2021 flu season was virtually non-existent as public health restrictions, such as stay-home orders, mask requirements, and limits on indoor and outdoor...