News & Announcements

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Now Available and Easy to Access
in the New Orleans Metro Area

New Orleans, LA (October 7, 2025) The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) announced today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially approved flu vaccines for ages 6 months and up and yesterday expanded that approval to place the COVID-19 vaccinations on the recommended schedule for 2025-2026.  Older adults and those at risk should check their eligibility for RSV, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines.

“These updated recommendations make it easier for everyone to protect themselves and their families from flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Health Director of the New Orleans Health Department. “Vaccines are safe, free for most people, and available right here in our community.”

“Walgreens is proud to offer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines in Louisiana to eligible individuals ages 3 and older, no prescription required," said Brian Strong, Director of Immunizations, Walgreens. “Individuals and families can walk into their nearest Walgreens pharmacy or schedule an appointment by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app, texting “Flu” to 66879, or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.”

According to CDC recommendations, adults are encouraged to consult with their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine if the COVID-19 vaccine is right for them. Parents seeking immunizations for children under 18 are encouraged to contact their pediatrician or a participating pharmacy for assistance. It is important to note that prescriptions are no longer required to access COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies or vaccination events, and insurance coverage continues to ensure no out-of-pocket cost for eligible individuals.

Residents can get vaccinated at local clinics, pharmacies, or community events. To find locations or a free vaccine event, visit the NOHD website at nola.gov/vaccines.

July 15, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

First-Ever Mental Health Wait Time Dashboard to Help Residents Access Behavioral Health Care

Earlier this month, the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), in partnership with ViaLink, 504HealthNet, Odyssey House Louisiana (OHL), and a coalition of local behavioral health providers, launched a groundbreaking new tool to address a  critical gap in access to care: the Mental Health and Substance Use Outpatient Wait Time Dashboard, designed to help residents find timely mental health and substance use services—and assist providers in coordinating care more effectively.

July 1, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Report from New Orleans Health Department Calls for Urgent Investment in the Health of Hospitality Workers

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) has released a new report titled Keeping Hospitality Healthy, a comprehensive analysis of the health challenges facing the city’s hospitality workforce. The report identifies the obstacles this population currently faces and outlines the strategic actions needed to improve health outcomes for hospitality workers in the city—many of whom are the backbone of New Orleans’ thriving tourism economy.

June 17, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department Releases 2024 Annual Opioid Report with New Strategies and Investments for 2025

The New Orleans Health Department’s (NOHD) Office of Behavioral Health today released the findings of its 2024 Annual Opioid Report, detailing local trends in overdose deaths, citywide response efforts, and new initiatives made possible by Opioid Settlement Funds.

June 5, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department Recognizes Gun Violence Awareness Month with Landmark Lightings and Month long Community Events

This June, the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) joins cities across the country in recognizing Gun Violence Awareness Month, reaffirming our commitment to a safer, healthier New Orleans for all. Throughout the month, we will host a range of community events, public awareness campaigns, and healing spaces designed to prevent violence and support survivors.

May 1, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit Launches Citywide Mental Health Awareness Campaign

The New Orleans Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit (MCIU), a program of the New Orleans Health Department, in collaboration with Resources for Human Development (RHD), announces the launch of a citywide mental health awareness campaign throughout May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

April 23, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ordinance

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), in collaboration with the NOLA Smoke-Free Coalition partners, proudly announces the 10th anniversary of the New Orleans Smoke-Free Air Act (SFAA), a landmark public health policy that has protected residents, workers, and visitors from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke since its passage in 2015.

March 7, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Expanding Measles Outbreak in the United States and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians, public health officials, and potential travelers about a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico and offer guidance for prevention and monitoring. As of March 7, 2025, Texas and New Mexico have reported 208 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak (198 in Texas and 10 in New Mexico). As a part of this outbreak, two deaths have been reported: one in Texas and one in New Mexico. More cases are expected as this outbreak continues to expand.

February 18, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department Expands Mardi Gras First Aid Stations with Two New Initiatives for 2025

As the city gears up for another exciting Mardi Gras season, the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) is once again ensuring the health and safety of paradegoers with its Mardi Gras First Aid Stations. Operated in partnership with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS), NOLA Ready Volunteers, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the American Red Cross, and official sponsor LCMC Health, these stations provide immediate medical assistance for minor injuries, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other non-life-threatening conditions. By offering on-site care, the NOHDFirst Aid Stations help alleviate strain on local hospitals and emergency services while keeping festivalgoers safe.

February 12, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department Releases 2024 STI Report, Highlighting Urgent Need for Expanded Testing and Prevention Efforts

New Orleans–The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) has released its 2024 STI Report, providing the latest data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the city. The report, based on 2018-2023 data from the Louisiana Department of Health, highlights alarming trends, including a chlamydia incidence rate that exceeds both state and national averages and a sharp increase in new HIV cases among 15–19-year-olds.

January 31, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Notice of Funding Availability: Swimming Pool Safety Intervention

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) is seeking highly qualified organizations to deliver programs and services that improve pool safety by providing free or reduced rates swimming lessons and pool safety education for New Orleans residents. NOHD seeks organizations with an established history of providing swimming lessons and providing water safety education to community members.