CDC’s vaccine advisory committee (ACIP) met yesterday and continues today to discuss COVID-19 and other vaccines. The Health secretary’s newly appointed committee will weigh in on vaccine use and recommendations, but the results may not reflect vetted evidence. To help answer questions after the expected surge in headlines, check the Resource Download Center for content on:
Over the past several weeks, Florida’s plan to eliminate vaccine mandates has gained national attention. In response, some Minnesota social media users debated whether vaccination should be a “personal choice.” Plus, a widely viewed Somali-language video spread false claims about the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
But first, a Minnesota executive order protecting access to vaccines revived familiar myths about COVID-19 vaccine safety.
Topic 1
Executive order aims to protect vaccine access in Minnesota
What’s happening:
On September 8, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Health and other state agencies to safeguard access to vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.
The announcement followed an August decision from the Food and Drug Administration that narrowed eligibility for 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines, which sparked confusion across the country.
In Minnesota, many social media users celebrated the executive order and said they planned to get their updated COVID-19 vaccines soon. Others repeated false claims that COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe or don’t work.
Why this matters:
As federal and state COVID-19 guidance shifts, some Minnesotans may not know they’re eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or how to get one.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available now in Minnesota. You do not need a prescription to get one, but you do need to confirm that you’re eligible for a vaccine when booking an appointment.
Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization, long-term health problems, and death.
Check with your health care provider, pharmacy, or local health department about getting an updated vaccine.
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Governor Tim Walz recently issued an executive order that aims to protect access to vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. You don’t need a prescription to get vaccinated, but you do need to confirm that you’re eligible for a vaccine when booking an appointment. The FDA has approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines for people 65 and older and for younger people with certain risk factors, including diabetes, asthma, physical inactivity, pregnancy, and depression. Talk to your doctor, pharmacy, or local health department about getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine—it helps prevent severe illness, long-term health problems, and death.
Florida’s plan to eliminate vaccine mandates fuels debate in Minnesota
What’s happening:
On September 3, Florida’s surgeon general announced plans to eliminate vaccine mandates in the state, including those required for school attendance.
After Minnesota media outlets reported on the story, local social media users debated whether vaccination should be a “personal choice.” Some falsely claimed that vaccines are dangerous, while others expressed concern that ending school vaccine mandates in Florida could lead to preventable deaths among children.
Why this matters:
Experts link outbreaks of diseases like measles to falling vaccination rates. These debates offer a chance to explain how vaccines help protect kids and entire communities.
When most kids in a community are vaccinated, it helps stop diseases from spreading, which also helps protect vulnerable family members, like babies and older adults.
All vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
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Suggested caption:
When most kids in a community are vaccinated, it helps stop diseases from spreading. This helps protect people who could get very sick, like babies and older adults. Minnesota requires certain vaccines at different ages before kids can attend school. Talk to your health care provider to make sure your family is up to date.
Somali-language video fuels false claims about the MMR vaccine
What’s happening:
On August 30, a popular Somali-speaking TikTok user posted a video falsely claiming that the MMR vaccine contains aborted fetal cells and causes serious health problems like cancer.
In the comments, some viewers expressed concern about MMR vaccine ingredients and asked whether there are alternatives to vaccination.
Why this matters:
In July, measles cases in the U.S. reached the highest levels in more than 30 years. While measles cases in Minnesota have been relatively low this year, encouraging MMR vaccination is critical to prevent further outbreaks.
All ingredients in the MMR vaccine are carefully tested for safety.
Risking a measles infection puts kids, families, and communities in danger.
Kids who get sick with measles are at risk of serious health problems like pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. Some kids may also face dangerous complications years after the infection.
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Suggested caption:
Measles is back in the U.S., but it’s preventable. The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, and all of its ingredients are tested to ensure safety. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your child, your family, and your community. Need to catch up? Talk to your health care provider today.
Changing federal guidance has caused widespread confusion about COVID-19 vaccines. Share this story to inform your community about who can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine now.
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.
