In early April, a second unvaccinated child in Texas died from measles, sparking concern and MMR vaccine myths in Minnesota. Plus, we’re following conversations online after a viral podcast pushed false information about the polio vaccine.
But first, a video spread false claims about vaccines for infants.
Topic 1
Video spreads false claims about vaccines for infants
What’s happening:
A Minneapolis-based social media user posted a video in early April falsely and baselessly claiming that routine vaccines are causing deaths in 8-week-old babies. The video has received thousands of views and a substantial proportion of engagement from Black communities in the Twin Cities.
Comments echo common fears shared by many parents around vaccine safety. They said they had refused vaccines for their kids and encouraged others to do the same. Some soon-to-be parents worried eight weeks was too early to vaccinate their baby.
Why this matters:
Many Minnesotans might still have doubts about vaccines, especially Black parents who are worried about medical racial bias. This could lower vaccination rates for babies and put them in danger of diseases like whooping cough.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Babies need vaccines because their immune systems are still developing. Following the recommended vaccine schedule is the best way to protect infants.
Delaying vaccines can put your baby at risk of dangerous diseases like tetanus or whooping cough.
Talk to your baby’s health care provider about getting them up to date on vaccines.
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Babies’ immune systems are still developing, which is why they need vaccines. All babies should get their recommended vaccines on time to keep them healthy. Talk to your baby’s doctor if you have questions about vaccines.
Second death of an unvaccinated child from measles sparks concerns and false claims
What’s happening:
A second unvaccinated child in Texas died from measles in early April, the third death in the U.S. from the ongoing outbreak. The death is driving conversation in Minnesota after the state’s first measles case of 2025 was confirmed in March.
Online, some mourned the child’s death and encouraged everyone to get the MMR vaccine. Others falsely blamed immigrants for bringing the virus into the U.S. and doubted the MMR vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
Why this matters:
Concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine could discourage parents from vaccinating their kids and cause another outbreak in Minnesota.
What to expect when talking about measles on social media:
Promoting vaccination is essential to help prevent outbreaks. Organizations should be prepared to answer common questions about who needs an MMR vaccine, where to get vaccinated, and why researchers know they’re safe. Organizations may also encounter false claims when sharing information about the MMR vaccine, including myths that it’s unnecessary and has serious side effects. Engaging directly with those spreading false narratives is not recommended, as it may detract from key messaging: The MMR vaccine is safe, and it’s our best protection against measles.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Measles is dangerous for unvaccinated children: It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, or death. Vaccination is the only protection.
Every child needs two doses of the MMR vaccine. The CDC recommends the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second dose at 4 to 6 years.
Anyone who received two doses of the MMR vaccine is well protected for life. However, if you’re not sure about your vaccination history, it’s safe to get an additional dose.
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Measles is dangerous for unvaccinated children: It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, or death.
The MMR vaccine is the best way to keep your child safe from measles. Two doses are 97 percent effective and protect children for life.
MMR vaccines may be available through your health care provider, local health department or community health board, or nearby pharmacies.
Viral podcast circulates false claims about polio vaccines
What’s happening:
A popular podcast episode from late March spread false claims about the polio vaccine, gaining millions of views and sparking debate in Minnesota. It falsely said vaccines didn’t eliminate polio, blamed pesticides for symptoms, and called polio “harmless” while claiming the vaccine was dangerous.
Some social media users said they were grateful they didn’t vaccinate their kids and questioned the safety of all vaccines.
Others, however, emphasized the danger of polio and questioned the falsehoods in the podcast.
Why this matters:
In recent years, the U.S. has reported close to zero polio cases, but declining vaccination rates in Minnesota or any other state could allow the disease to return.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
The U.S. eliminated polio thanks to the vaccine. Continuing to get the polio vaccine is the best way to keep it that way.
The polio vaccine has been safely used all over the world for over 50 years.
Polio is highly contagious. Many infected people might not show symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. If even one person gets polio, it could lead to more cases.
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Before the polio vaccine became widely available, there were about 16,000 cases of polio that caused paralysis each year in the U.S. Now, we’re down to zero.
No kid should become permanently paralyzed or die from a preventable disease like polio.
Check with your health care provider to make sure they’re up to date on all vaccines, including for polio.
Before a vaccine reaches the public, it goes through many rounds of testing over several years. Vaccines keep all Minnesotans protected from preventable diseases, and each ingredient is there to keep us safe. Share this article so your community knows they can trust vaccines.
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.
