Mobile County residents encouraged to prepare for RSV season 10-05-26

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.