Mobile County residents encouraged to get annual flu vaccinations 10-12-26

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.