Protect Your Season: Ask Your Doctor about Respiratory Vaccines
October 14, 2025
As Alabama and the rest of the nation prepare for the winter months, health leaders are urging individuals to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses through vaccination. The Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Hospital Association, and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama have joined forces to encourage residents to ask their healthcare providers which vaccines are right for them.
The campaign, “Protect Your Season: Ask Your Doctor,” emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated against flu, RSV, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Different viruses and bacteria cause these illnesses and can lead to serious complications or hospitalization. The most significant risks are for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. While these groups face the greatest risk, everyone is encouraged to ask their doctor about vaccination to help protect their community.
“Each year, respiratory illnesses lead to significant hospitalizations and complications, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. “Getting vaccinated not only reduces your risk of becoming ill, but it also protects your family and community during the respiratory illness season.”
Respiratory illnesses place added demand on hospitals each fall and winter. “Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness,” said Danne Howard, president and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association. “We’ve seen how quickly hospital resources can be stretched during respiratory illness surges, so we are strongly encouraging Alabamians to get the vaccines recommended by their healthcare providers for themselves and their loved ones.”
“Your physician is your best partner in staying healthy through the winter months,” said Mark LeQuire, M.D., president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. “Talking with your doctor about recommended vaccines is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your family and your community this season.”
The “Protect Your Season: Ask Your Doctor” campaign provides guidance on accessing vaccines for multiple infectious diseases. RSV and pneumococcal vaccines are offered through local county health departments, while COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at county health departments, select retail pharmacy locations, and other healthcare providers throughout Alabama. To locate vaccine clinics, the campaign references tools such as texting a zip code to 438829 or visiting vaccines.gov.
For more information about recommended vaccines and resources, visit: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/ask.html. Additionally, campaign promotion resources, including social media graphics, flyers, and posters, are available on the site to help communities and organizations effectively share the message.
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About ADPH
The Alabama Department of Health works to promote, protect and improve the health of Alabamians. For media inquiries, please contact Wes Stubblefield, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, (256) 340-7066.
About AlaHa
Founded in 1921, the Alabama Hospital Association is a statewide trade organization that assists member hospitals in effectively serving Alabama’s healthcare needs through advocacy, representation, education, and service.
About MASA
The Medical Association of the State of Alabama is the professional association for some 7,000 physicians of all specialties throughout Alabama. The association exists to serve, lead and unite physicians in promoting the highest quality of health care for the people of Alabama through advocacy, information and education.