October 19, 2026

Mobile County residents encouraged to prepare for fall COVID-19 vaccination

MOBILE, Ala. — As the fall respiratory-virus season approaches, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) encourages Mobile County residents to talk with their health care provider or pharmacist about COVID-19 vaccination for the 2026–2027 season.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available this fall to help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised manufacturers that the 2026-2027 vaccine formulation should target the JN.1-lineage XFG variant to better match currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

COVID-19 can cause serious illnesses, particularly among older adults, people with chronic health conditions, people who are immunocompromised, pregnant people, and residents of long-term care facilities. Residents should consult their health care provider about their individual risks, recommended vaccine timing, and the COVID-19 vaccination options available to them.

Family Health patients may schedule an appointment with their primary care provider to discuss age-appropriate COVID-19 immunization. To make an appointment at a Family Health location in Mobile County, call Central Appointments at 251-690-8889.

MCHD does not provide routine immunizations to the general public. Residents who are not Family Health patients are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or local pharmacy regarding vaccine availability. MCHD also encourages residents to ask their provider about flu vaccination timing as fall approaches; protection from vaccination generally takes about two weeks to develop.

“Fall is an appropriate time to make sure you and your family are prepared for respiratory-virus season,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist about updated COVID-19 vaccination and other recommended seasonal immunizations.

“Vaccination is an important tool for reducing the risk of severe illness and protecting the people around us, especially those most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. COVID tends to have both a winter and summer/fall surge.”

Along with vaccination, MCHD encourages residents to stay home and away from others when sick, practice good cough and sneeze etiquette, wash hands regularly, clean frequently touched shared surfaces, and seek medical care promptly for severe symptoms.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, residents may visit CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine guidance or speak with their health care provider or pharmacist.

October 12, 2026

Mobile County residents encouraged to get annual flu vaccinations

MOBILE, Ala. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health professionals and the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine each year, with rare exceptions.

Flu vaccination is the best available way to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications. Vaccination can help prevent flu illnesses, medical visits, missed work and school, hospitalizations, and deaths. It also helps protect people around you, including infants, older adults, and people with certain underlying health conditions.

Patients of Family Health, MCHD’s primary care division, may schedule an appointment with their primary care provider to discuss age-appropriate immunizations. To make an appointment at a Family Health location in Mobile County, call Central Appointments at 251-690-8889.

Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels encourages residents to receive recommended immunizations at the location most convenient to them, including their primary care provider’s office, a Family Health location, or a local pharmacy or clinic.

“Now is the time to get your annual flu vaccination,” Dr. Michaels said. “If you are eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you may receive them during the same visit. Vaccines given by injection should be administered at separate sites, such as different arms or at least one inch apart in the same arm.

“Getting vaccinated helps protect you, your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. To find a nearby pharmacy or clinic offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit Vaccines.gov.”

In addition to vaccination, residents can reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette, washing hands regularly, cleaning frequently touched shared surfaces, improving ventilation when possible, and staying home and away from others when sick.

Influenza can cause serious illness, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with chronic medical conditions. During the 2024-2025 flu season, CDC estimates that flu caused approximately 51 million illnesses, 23 million outpatient medical visits, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 45,000 deaths nationwide.

For more information about Family Health services and appointments, visit https://mchd.org/family-health/ or call 251-690-8889. MCHD advises residents who are not Family Health patients to contact their primary care provider or local pharmacy regarding vaccine availability.

October 5, 2026

Mobile County residents encouraged to prepare for RSV season

MOBILE, Ala. — As fall approaches, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) encourages Mobile County residents to take steps to prevent serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in infants, young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems. While many people experience mild, cold-like symptoms, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, hospitalization, and other serious complications in those at higher risk.

“RSV prevention is especially important as we enter the fall respiratory-virus season,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Older adults, expectant parents, and families with infants should talk with their health care provider about the RSV prevention options that may be appropriate for them.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one dose of RSV vaccine for all adults age 75 and older, as well as for adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. Eligible adults who have not previously received an RSV vaccine receive the greatest benefit when vaccinated in late summer or early fall, before RSV typically begins spreading more widely in the community. RSV vaccination is not currently an annual vaccine; people who have already received an RSV vaccine generally do not need another dose at this time.

There are also important prevention options for infants. To protect babies from severe RSV, pregnant people may receive the maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy during the seasonal administration period, or infants may receive a long-acting RSV antibody after birth or before their first RSV season. Most infants will not need both forms of protection. Certain children aged 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV may also be eligible for an RSV antibody dose before their second RSV season.

Family Health patients may schedule an appointment with their primary care provider to discuss RSV prevention and other recommended immunizations. To make an appointment at a Family Health location in Mobile County, call Central Appointments at 251-690-8889.

MCHD does not provide routine immunizations to the general public. Residents who are not Family Health patients are encouraged to contact their primary care provider, pediatrician, obstetric provider, or local pharmacy to discuss RSV prevention options and availability.

In addition to available immunizations and preventive antibodies, residents can help limit the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses by staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

“Protecting our youngest residents and those most vulnerable to severe illness is a shared responsibility,” Dr. Michaels said. “Planning ahead with your health care provider can help ensure that your family has the protection it needs before RSV activity increases.”

For more information about RSV prevention, visit CDC’s RSV guidance or speak with a health care provider.

October 2, 2026

MCHD observes Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Recognition Day

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department and health departments across the country will participate today in the 15th annual National Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Recognition Day. Celebrated each year on the first Friday of October, this honors the DIS workforce, the backbone of infectious disease prevention and control activities.

This year’s theme is “The Rhythm of Public Health.” This honors the harmony connecting partnerships, collaborations, and communities in disease intervention.

The DIS staff are public health warriors who work in health departments and community health centers to perform contact tracing, partner services, and emergency response. They utilize critical skills in communication, counseling, interviewing, case analysis, and community engagement to respond to disease threats. These threats include tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, rabies, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

MCHD’s DIS staff work closely with community healthcare providers and service organizations to raise awareness about disease prevention and ensure linkage and retention in treatment for those diagnosed. For example, our DIS staff have collaborated with academic partners in the “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiative to advocate for testing and preliminary treatment.

The DIS team monitors trends in other infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and congenital syphilis, to stage timely interventions. DIS brave unsafe conditions, work weekends and nights, and respond to crises outside of STD/HIV prevention, including pertussis, H1N1 influenza, E. coli, COVID-19, and other outbreaks.

“I am proud to recognize the tremendous efforts of MCHD’s disease investigators. They work on the front lines of public health to reduce disease and death in our community,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County.

In August, MCHD’s team achieved a significant professional milestone by successfully passing the National Disease Intervention Specialist Certification Examination. This accomplishment officially recognizes these dedicated public health professionals as Nationally Certified Disease Intervention Specialists (CDIS).

“The DIS staff are incredibly skilled investigators and contact tracers and champions of prevention measures like vaccination, testing, and treatment. They remain a trusted resource for their clients and community partners, and they have my highest gratitude and respect for their commitment to improving health.”

MCHD thanks our staff members for their commitment to public health, dedication to community education, and resilience to new challenges.

October 2, 2026

Protecting Youth Among Increased Suicide Attempts

MOBILE, Ala. — Suicide Awareness Month may have concluded, but the need to support young people and promote early intervention continues every day.

The Mobile County Health Department’s Data Analytics and Epidemiology Division (DAE) monitors a range of community health indicators. As of October 2026, DAE identified a 15 percent increase in emergency department visits for suicide attempts in youths aged 0-17 when compared to the whole of 2025.

“Connection saves lives,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Even after Suicide Awareness Month, we must continue checking in with our children, listening without judgment, reducing stigma around mental-health care, and ensuring families know where to turn when they need help.”

All statements and behaviors suggesting self-harm should be taken seriously. Asking a young person about suicide does not put the idea in their mind. Instead, a caring conversation can open the door to help.

Young people may experience emotional distress in different ways, warning signs include:

• Sudden drops in grades, school attendance, or quitting enjoyed hobbies
• Leaving group chats, deleting social media, or withdrawing from friends/family
• Major changes in personality, appetite, or sleep habits
• Feelings of worthlessness, feeling like a burden to others, or jokes about death
• Loss of interest in future plans or no reaction to personal successes
• Unusual goodbyes or giving away belongings
• Neglecting hygiene or appearance
• Reckless behavior, including drug or alcohol abuse
• Sudden calm after periods of severe anxiety, depression, stress, or agitation

Prevention also includes practical steps at home. Parents should secure firearms, medications, alcohol, and other potentially lethal means. MCHD offers free gun locks and naloxone at our Prevention and Wellness Kiosks (see locations: https://mobile-county-overdose-surveillance-mc-hd.hub.arcgis.com).

MCHD also encourages parents and students to identify school counselors and community resources.

For immediate emotional support:

• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Mobile residents can dial 211 to connect with local counseling, social services, and other community resources close to home.
• AltaPointe’s Access to Care line is available at 251-450-2211.
• AltaPointe’s Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Mobile provides around-the-clock crisis assessment, observation, stabilization, medication, therapy, and psychiatric care; the Crisis Center can be reached at 251-662-8000.

If a child or adolescent is in immediate danger or has attempted suicide, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

October 10, 2026

World Mental Health Day recognizes lived experience, connection, and local support

MOBILE, Ala. — World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to strengthen conversations about mental well-being, reduce stigma, and recognize the essential knowledge held by people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Observed annually on October 10, World Mental Health Day 2026 carries the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” The campaign calls on communities, health systems, and decision-makers to meaningfully engage people with lived experience and recognize that their insight is a vital form of expertise. People who have navigated mental health conditions, sought care, supported a loved one, or faced barriers to services can help identify gaps and shape more responsive, compassionate support systems.

The Mobile County Health Department encourages residents to listen without judgment, talk openly about mental health, and make space for the voices of people who have personal experience with mental health challenges. Their perspectives can help families, schools, workplaces, and service providers understand better what support looks like in real life.

“Mental health is part of overall health, and people with lived experience have knowledge that no textbook, training, or policy document can fully replace,” said Mobile County Health Officer Dr. Kevin Michaels. “On World Mental Health Day, we encourage our community to listen, learn, speak openly, and connect people to care. When real voices are heard, we can make meaningful change together.”

Mobile County is fortunate to have local organizations providing behavioral-health services, crisis support, counseling, and connections to care. The county’s community health centers offer integrated services that can help address both physical and mental health needs. In addition, AltaPointe Health serves as Mobile County’s comprehensive community mental health provider and a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, offering a broad range of mental health and substance-use services, access-to-care coordination, and 24/7 crisis services.

For immediate emotional support, anyone can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained counselor. Residents can also dial 211 to connect with local counseling, social services, and other community resources close to home.

AltaPointe’s Access to Care line is available at 251-450-2211. Its Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Mobile provides around-the-clock crisis assessment, observation, stabilization, medication, therapy, and psychiatric care; the Crisis Center can be reached at 251-662-8000.

The Mobile County Health Department also provides behavioral-health services for adolescents and adults, including brief treatment and interventions related to depression, anxiety, healthy living practices, and coping with chronic health conditions. Behavioral Health appointments and referrals are available by calling 251-690-8822.

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, listening can be an act of support, and every resident has a role in creating a community where mental health is understood, respected, and supported.

October 1, 2026

UAB, local partners review COAST-AL progress, plan next steps for HIV services

MOBILE, Ala. — Investigators from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) recently met with implementation teams and community stakeholders from the Mobile County Health Department, Family Health, and AIDS Alabama South to review accomplishments and discuss the future of COAST-AL, a collaborative initiative focused on strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment, linkage to care, and viral suppression efforts in coastal Alabama.

COAST-AL — a Type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial evaluating a population-health combination intervention designed to advance HIV testing, linkage to care, and viral suppression goals in coastal Alabama — brings together researchers, public-health professionals, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to identify and apply effective approaches that improve HIV-related health outcomes.

During the meeting, participants reflected on progress made through the partnership, including expanded coordination among service providers, strengthened connections between HIV testing and treatment services, and ongoing work to reduce barriers that can delay diagnosis, care, and viral suppression. The discussion also highlighted the importance of trusted community partnerships in reaching individuals who may be underserved or face challenges accessing healthcare.

“COAST-AL has shown what can be accomplished when researchers, healthcare providers, public-health agencies, and community organizations work toward a shared goal,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “The progress made through this partnership is helping strengthen the systems that connect people to HIV testing, timely care, treatment, and the ongoing support needed to achieve better health outcomes.”

A key focus of the meeting was identifying next steps to sustain and build upon the work completed to date. Partners discussed opportunities to share lessons learned and best practices from the initiative, strengthen regional coordination, and pursue future resources that can support continued HIV prevention and care efforts for residents of Mobile County and surrounding counties.

“Addressing HIV requires a long-term commitment to prevention, early diagnosis, access to treatment, and support for people throughout their care journey,” Dr. Michaels said. “We are encouraged by the collaboration represented in COAST-AL and remain committed to carrying this work forward for the people and communities we serve.”

The Mobile County Health Department recognizes the UAB investigators, Family Health, AIDS Alabama South, implementation teams, community stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and partner organizations whose expertise and dedication have contributed to the initiative’s progress. Their continued collaboration is essential to ensuring residents across coastal Alabama have access to the information, services, and support needed to prevent HIV and live healthy lives.

The COAST-AL initiative reflects a shared commitment to using evidence-informed strategies, meaningful partnerships, and coordinated services to improve health outcomes across the region.

September 30, 2026

Health Officer confirms West Nile virus is present in Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. – A case of human West Nile virus (WNV), which is a form of mosquito-borne encephalitis, has been confirmed this week in Mobile County, according to Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County.

This is the second human case reported in Mobile County this year. Because of patient privacy rights under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), no more identifying information will be available.

In addition, four sentinel chickens monitored by the Mobile County Health Department’s Vector Services program have tested positive for WNV. The coops are in the 36521 (1 chicken), 36587 (1 chicken), and 36613 (2 chickens) ZIP code areas.

“West Nile virus is present in our county, and this detection is an important reminder for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Michaels. “Vector Services will increase mosquito-control activity in and around these ZIP code areas, continue monitoring our sentinel chicken flocks, and work to identify mosquito populations that may be carrying the virus.”

MCHD Vector Services will conduct additional spraying, door-to-door surveys in nearby areas, and adult mosquito trapping and testing for West Nile virus.

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Residents—especially those participating in outdoor activities- are encouraged to take simple precautions to reduce mosquito bites:

• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent containing DEET, or another approved active ingredient.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, particularly around dawn and dusk.
• Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or intact window and door screens.
• Empty, cover, clean, or treat containers that hold standing water around homes, yards, worksites, and outdoor-event locations.

Mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of standing water, including water found in buckets, flowerpots, tires, birdbaths, pet bowls, gutters, tarps, and outdoor containers.

About West Nile virus

West Nile virus is maintained in a cycle between birds and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to people, horses, and other animals through subsequent bites.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, some may experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or rash. In rare cases, infection can cause serious neurologic illness, including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, disorientation, tremors, paralysis, or seizures. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

West Nile virus cannot spread from person to person or from horses to people. While horses can be vaccinated against WNV, no vaccine is currently available for humans.

The risk for mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses is generally greatest from August until the first fall freeze.

Sentinel Surveillance

Since 1985, MCHD Vector Services has monitored sentinel poultry flocks placed strategically across Mobile County to detect mosquito-borne viruses. Blood samples are collected from sentinel chickens each Monday and sent to a laboratory for testing, with results typically available later in the week.

In addition to monitoring 13 sentinel chicken coops, Vector Services traps and tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and St. Louis encephalitis.

To report a mosquito concern, contact MCHD Vector Services at 251-690-8124. Learn more about mosquito control and access the online service-request portal for mosquito and rodent concerns at mchd.org/vector-control.

October 1, 2026

MCHD thanks PEIR for bringing community together for Save A Life Day

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) extends its sincere appreciation to People Engaged in Recovery (PEIR) for organizing Save A Life Day and bringing community partners together to raise awareness, share resources, and promote lifesaving support for individuals and families affected by substance use.

Save A Life Day created an important opportunity for residents, service providers, advocates, first responders, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to unite around a shared commitment to prevention, recovery, and saving lives. Through its leadership and coordination, PEIR helped create a welcoming space where people could learn about recovery services, connect with local resources, and better understand the support available throughout Mobile County.

“We are grateful to People Engaged in Recovery for their dedication to organizing Save A Life Day and for the work they do throughout our community,” said Danielle Simpson, who oversees MCHD’s Overdose Prevention Program. “Events like this remind us that every life matters and that recovery is possible when people have access to compassionate support, meaningful resources, and a community that stands beside them.”

The impact of Save A Life Day reaches beyond a single event. By increasing awareness of available services and connecting community members with practical tools, the event helps strengthen the county’s response to substance use and overdose prevention.

Access to naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is one important part of that response. Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose when administered in time, and making it available in the community gives family members, friends, bystanders, and others an opportunity to respond during a potentially life-threatening emergency. Preventive items, education, referrals, and recovery-support resources also help residents take steps toward care, safety, and long-term recovery.

MCHD recognizes the many organizations, volunteers, first responders, healthcare professionals, community advocates, and residents who participated in Save A Life Day and contributed their time and resources to make the event possible. Their collective efforts demonstrate that preventing overdose and supporting recovery require a sustained community-wide commitment.

“Save A Life Day is a powerful reminder that support does not stop when an event ends,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Continued access to naloxone, prevention supplies, treatment and recovery resources, and compassionate support gives individuals and families opportunities to get the care they need. Together, we can help save lives and build a healthier, more resilient Mobile County.”

MCHD works to promote, protect, and improve the health of individuals and communities throughout Mobile County through prevention, education, clinical services, environmental health programs, emergency preparedness, and partnerships that advance health and well-being.

Its Overdose Prevention team is committed to supporting overdose prevention while guiding individuals through recovery options. For more information, call 251-410-6322 or email OverdosePrevention@mchd.org.