On June 2, the Minnesota Department of Health reported two new measles cases in the Twin Cities area. The first was an adult with unknown vaccination status in Washington County. The second was an unvaccinated child in Dakota County who may have exposed others at the Mall of America theme park on May 24. We’ll continue to track questions and conversations around measles.
In the meantime, visit the Download Center for shareable content on measles.
This week, we’re looking at comments from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that fueled false claims about vaccines and autism in Somali communities.
We’re also tracking responses to the White House’s latest report on children’s health, which raised concerns about whether kids receive too many vaccines.
But first, social media users are debating new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines that removed recommendations for healthy children and pregnant people.
Topic 1
New COVID-19 vaccine guidelines spark debates and confusion
What’s happening:
Last week, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and pregnant people had been removed from the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule.
In Minnesota, some social media users celebrated the announcement, falsely claiming the vaccines were dangerous and unnecessary. Others believed the guidelines would put people at risk and affect vaccine access.
Days later, however, the CDC shared new recommendations saying that healthy children and pregnant women “may” get COVID-19 vaccines if they talk with their doctors.
Why this matters:
COVID-19 can cause serious complications, especially for young children and pregnant people. Changing guidance might confuse Minnesotans about who should get vaccinated.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Pregnant people are at high risk of a severe COVID-19 infection. Getting sick can increase the risk of miscarriage, early birth, and other health problems.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for pregnant people and children.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to stay protected against COVID-19 and its complications, including long COVID.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy helps protect the baby for up to six months after birth.
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Suggested caption:
COVID-19 can be especially dangerous for pregnant people, increasing the risk of miscarriage, giving birth early, and other health problems.
The best way to stay safe is with the COVID-19 vaccine.
HHS secretary’s comments ignite concerns about vaccines and autism in the Somali community
What’s happening:
HHS Secretary Kennedy recently made comments about the causes of autism. A Minnesota newsroom covered how these comments sparked conversations about vaccines in the Somali community.
Online, some in the Somali community discussed their belief in the myth that the MMR vaccine is linked to increased autism diagnoses.
Why this matters:
The long-debunked myth connecting autism to vaccines still stops some parents from vaccinating their kids. In Somali communities, these myths also make it harder for parents to talk about autism, fearing judgment or blame. This can leave children unprotected against serious diseases and families without the support they need.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Decades of research show that there’s no link between vaccines and autism.
We’re better now at spotting signs of autism. But doctors are still learning why autism happens. Things like family history or what happens during pregnancy can play a role.
The MMR vaccine is very safe and the only way to protect children against measles.
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Suggested caption:
Vaccines protect kids from serious preventable diseases like measles and chickenpox. Decades of research show they’re not linked to autism in any way. Scientists are still studying possible causes of autism, like genetics.
Every parent wants what’s best for their kids’ health and safety. Vaccines go through years of testing to make sure they are safe.
Talk to your child’s doctor about vaccines to help you make the best decisions for your child’s future.
White House report questions safety of multiple vaccines for kids
What’s happening:
In late May, the White House released a new report on children’s health. It raised concerns about vaccines for kids, including the number of shots they receive.
Nationally, some social media users celebrated the report, saying it supported their concerns about multiple vaccines being unsafe for children.
Why this matters:
The report raised misleading questions about the safety of the recommended vaccination schedule for children. In Minnesota, childhood vaccination rates are already declining, and this report may make that worse.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
The vaccination schedule helps protect children from diseases like measles and whooping cough by making sure they’re protected before being exposed.
Decades of studies show that it’s safe for children to get multiple vaccines.
Delaying or missing vaccines puts kids at risk for getting sick.
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Suggested caption:
Kids need multiple vaccines to stay fully protected from preventable diseases. Thanks to strict testing and decades of research, we know these vaccines are safe.
Fewer kids in Minnesota are getting their childhood vaccines, which means more kids could get sick with serious diseases like measles or whooping cough.
Talk to your child’s doctor to make sure they’re caught up on their routine vaccines.
What vaccine opponents get wrong about autism rates and vaccines
A recent CDC study about autism rates sparked waves of false claims about vaccines, with some people misinterpreting the data. Share this article to help community members understand what the report found and why we know vaccines are not linked to autism.
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.
