This week, false claims about COVID-19 vaccines are sparking questions and discussion in Somali communities. Plus, we’re following conversation about bird flu after a new vaccine for poultry caused confusion online.
But first, let's look at local discussions about measles after a child in Texas died during an ongoing outbreak.
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Texas measles death drives discussions about prevention and safety
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- In late February, an unvaccinated school-age child was confirmed as the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade, resulting from an ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas.
- The death made national news and drove widespread conversations in Minnesota, which experienced a measles outbreak last year. Many narratives made false claims about MMR vaccine safety.
- Some social media users criticized Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak and citing an incorrect number of deaths.
- Other conversations blamed immigrant populations (including Somali communities) for measles outbreaks and for reducing Minnesota’s childhood vaccination rates.
- Pro-vaccine posts encouraged people to track ongoing cases and get vaccinated, with some urging religious leaders to help increase vaccination rates.
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Why this matters: Measles is highly contagious, and promoting vaccination is crucial to keeping children safe and helping prevent future outbreaks in Minnesota.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Measles is more than just a rash. It’s a highly contagious and deadly disease.
- Unvaccinated children are most at risk of becoming infected with measles and developing serious problems, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
- The best way to stay safe from measles is to get two doses of the MMR vaccine.
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Suggested caption:
Measles spreads easily and can be deadly—but the good news is that vaccines can prevent it. The MMR vaccine works really well to stop measles. It’s been tested for decades and is safe for everyone, including children.
Learn more about where to get the MMR vaccine at the Minnesota Department of Health’s website: health.state.mn.us.
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Somali-language video spreads false claims about COVID-19 vaccines
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- A Somali-language video with hundreds of thousands of views recently spread false claims about COVID-19 vaccine safety. The video falsely alleged that vaccines cause harmful side effects, including pregnancy complications. The creator also falsely blamed mRNA technology for altering DNA, which is not possible.
- In response, some social media users shared unverified stories of vaccine injuries and promoted unproven herbal remedies to prevent illness.
- Although the current conversation spike is within Somali communities, similar false claims have circulated throughout the state in the past.
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Why this matters: False narratives against COVID-19 vaccines may decrease vaccination rates in Somali communities.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- COVID-19 vaccines help protect pregnant people and their babies from severe illness or miscarriage. Many mothers in Minnesota have chosen to get vaccinated and have had safe, healthy pregnancies.
- The COVID-19 vaccine works with your body’s natural defenses—it does not change DNA. It helps your immune system recognize and fight the virus if you are exposed.
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Suggested caption:
A COVID-19 infection could be dangerous for you and your baby, putting you at risk of miscarriage, early childbirth, and other health problems. If you’re pregnant, it’s recommended that you get this year’s vaccine. The vaccines teach your body how to fight off the virus, and it is safe for all pregnant people.
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New bird flu vaccine for poultry leads to confusion about human vaccination
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- In mid-February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave conditional approval for a bird flu vaccine for poultry. However, social media audiences were confused by headlines, causing some to mistakenly believe a human vaccine was available.
- In conversations online, some worried that vaccinated animals would harm food supply chains. Other narratives feared that more bird flu cases could lead to human-to-human transmission, which we have not yet seen.
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Why this matters: Confusion about a bird flu vaccine for poultry could lead to false claims about human vaccinations.
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Helpful messaging to share right now:
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- Right now, most people are not at risk of bird flu. But it’s still recommended to stay away from sick or dead birds and avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk.
- There’s no available human vaccine against bird flu yet, but scientists are working on one in case we need it.
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Suggested caption:
There have been dozens of human cases of bird flu in the U.S. as of February, but most Minnesotans are not at risk.
But there are still things you can do to protect yourself: Avoid sick or dead birds, and don’t drink raw (unpasteurized) milk. Stay up to date on your seasonal flu shot to avoid getting multiple infections at the same time.
Find a nearby flu vaccine at Vaccines.gov.
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Measles cases are rising—here’s how to protect your family
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The ongoing measles outbreak in Texas is a good reminder that everyone, especially children, should be vaccinated against measles. It’s a highly contagious disease that can be fatal. As vaccination rates decline, outbreaks are more common.
Minnesota experienced an outbreak of measles just last year. Share this article so your community knows how to prevent one from happening again.
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PGN 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.
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Have feedback on this email? Please send it to Info@MNHealthComms.org.
Thanks for reading,
The MN Health Communications Initiative team
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