MCHD supports standard communicable disease procedures 10.13.25

October 13, 2025

MCHD supports standard communicable disease procedures

MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD), as part of its standard communicable disease procedure, continues to investigate any suspected case of vaccine preventable illnesses.

MCHD works closely with local healthcare providers to monitor and identify any vaccine-preventable illnesses in our county. Currently, because most eligible Alabamians are vaccinated, the risk of an outbreak remains low. However, unvaccinated individuals may still be at risk, and vaccination may be recommended for certain groups.

“Vaccines protect what matters most,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “We have several recommended school age vaccinations to protect our most vulnerable against measles, mumps, chickenpox, and pertussis. We need to stay up to date on school aged vaccines for children.”

Poor personal hygiene in younger children and infants putting their hands and objects in their mouths nearly 10 times per hour, they are frequently ingesting invisible contaminants and viruses.

Vaccine-preventable illnesses are caused by viruses, but thanks to vaccination recommendations, once-common diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, polio, and pertussis have become much less frequent than they were in our parents’ and grandparents’ time. These illnesses can cause swelling, rashes, coughs, and fevers, and in severe cases, may lead to hospitalization.

Today, vaccines are widely available at pharmacies and doctors’ offices across the county. Receiving recommended immunizations remains the most effective way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization from vaccine-preventable illnesses. Additionally, washing hands, terminal cleaning of shared objects, sneeze/cough etiquette and staying away from others when ill are immediate preventive measures to protect yourself and others.

By staying up to date with vaccinations, we can keep our community healthy and strong. Now is an ideal time to review your immunization record, especially before traveling, and to speak with your healthcare provider about any vaccines you may need. If you haven’t received your recommended shots yet, there is no better time to protect yourself — and those around you.

Guidelines for vaccine eligibility and other information can be found on the ADPH website at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/index.html.