Vaccines can help keep you safe as respiratory season approaches 09.22.25

September 22, 2025

Vaccines can help keep you safe as respiratory season approaches

MOBILE, Ala. — COVID-19 illness is still present in our community. Many people have recently encountered family and friends with COVID-19 illness.

As the fall and winter respiratory season begins, it is important to protect yourself, your family, and your friends. Three effective vaccines are available to help keep you safe:

• The annual Influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
• The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, recommended for pregnant moms and adults 65 and older.
• The annual COVID-19 vaccine for adults 65 years and older, and for younger individuals with certain risk factors.

This year, the Food & Drug Administration has updated COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. The vaccine is mainly authorized for adults 65 and older and those of any age with risk factors such as asthma, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and other medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness. Because of these changes, there has been confusion about eligibility. Individuals should speak to their healthcare provider, pharmacist, or insurance provider to learn more.

Vaccines are widely available at many pharmacies and doctor’s offices throughout the county. Getting vaccinated is the best way to reduce severe illness and hospitalization from these respiratory illnesses.

Together, we can keep our community healthy and strong. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the perfect time to get your shot.