This week, a popular video fueled questions about the HPV vaccine, with social media users asking how the virus spreads and who should get vaccinated.
After the U.S. reached a record-breaking number of measles cases in early July, social media users asked what causes measles outbreaks, downplayed measles’s severity, and spread false claims about the MMR vaccine.
But first, let’s look at how people are reacting to a new lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Topic 1
Lawsuit against Secretary Kennedy, HHS prompts mixed reactions
What’s happening:
Earlier this month, six major medical groups—including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association—sued Kennedy and HHS, saying new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines for pregnant people and healthy children were not based on science and would limit access.
Some Minnesota-based social media users supported the lawsuit and emphasized the importance of vaccine access.
Others mocked the suit, pushed conspiracy theories, and falsely claimed vaccines are dangerous.
Why this matters:
Responses to the lawsuit show that some Minnesotans have varying concerns about COVID-19 vaccines. Some worry that new recommendations may restrict access to vaccines for people who need them, while others reject the vaccines entirely and don’t want them available at all.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Pregnant people are at high risk for severe COVID-19, which could require hospitalization. Getting COVID-19 while pregnant can increase the risk of miscarriage, early birth, and other problems.
The COVID-19 vaccine is very safe and protects against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
While no vaccine is 100 percent effective, they’re one of the best tools we have to protect our health and stop disease.
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Pregnant people are at higher risk of getting seriously sick from COVID-19. An infection can lead to miscarriage, early birth, or other health problems.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. It protects you and your baby. That’s why major medical groups recommend vaccination during pregnancy.
Record-high measles cases fuel questions about outbreaks
What’s happening:
In early July, the U.S. reached its highest number of measles cases in more than 30 years. In response, Governor Tim Walz urged Minnesotans to get vaccinated in a post with more than 400,000 views.
Some users questioned the cause of outbreaks, falsely claimed measles isn’t serious, pushed anti-immigrant narratives, and said Walz was calling for vaccine mandates.
Others supported vaccination and criticized those who reject vaccines.
Why this matters:
Many Minnesotans may not realize that low vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks. When fewer people get the MMR vaccine, it puts entire communities—especially young children—at risk.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Measles is a serious disease that can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death.
A measles infection can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off other illnesses later on.
When fewer people get vaccinated, outbreaks are more likely.
Every child needs two doses of the MMR vaccine to stay protected.
In Minnesota, MMR vaccination rates among kindergartners have dropped—from 92.6 percent in the 2019-2020 school year to just 86.5 percent in the 2024-2025 school year.
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Most parents in Minnesota choose to vaccinate their children against measles.
But even a small drop in vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks and put the whole community at risk.
The best time to protect your child is before they’re ever exposed to measles. Talk to your child’s doctor about getting up to date on the MMR vaccine.
A video from an Ohio-based physician with over 800,000 views explained how HPV can cause cancer years after infection, sparking widespread questions.
Viewers asked how HPV spreads, what the symptoms are, and how the vaccine works.
Some shared confusion about age limits and how many doses are needed.
Why this matters:
Many Minnesotans still have questions about how HPV spreads, how it can lead to cancer, and when to get vaccinated. Confusion about the virus and the vaccine could prevent people from getting the protection they need.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
HPV is very common. Nearly everyone will be exposed to HPV in their life.
HPV can cause several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
The HPV vaccine is very effective. It helps protect against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer and can prevent more than 90 percent of HPV-related cancers.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all kids, regardless of gender. It works best before exposure to the virus—ideally around ages 11-12, but it’s safe to get as early as age 9. If you weren’t vaccinated as a kid, you can still get it through age 26. Some adults up to 45 may still benefit; talk to your doctor.
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Suggested caption:
Most people will be exposed to HPV in their lifetime. The HPV vaccine is very effective and protects against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. It’s recommended for everyone, regardless of gender.
The number of doses you need depends on your age. Use this guide to see what’s recommended for you or your child.
The HPV vaccine is very effective at preventing several kinds of cancer—but many people might have questions before getting it for themselves or their kids. Share this story with your community to answer questions about HPV and the vaccine.
Public Good News is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to community health. We partner with trusted local voices throughout the U.S. to distribute accurate, accessible, and inclusive health news in English and Spanish.
