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News outlets recently reported that not enough kids in Minnesota have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. The state is well below the 95 percent vaccination rate needed for herd immunity—when enough people are protected to prevent a disease from spreading.
We’re also following rising concerns and online discussions about whooping cough as summer approaches.
But first, a post criticizing the HPV vaccine for kids went viral and sparked a wave of discussion.
Topic 1
Viral post fuels online debates about the HPV vaccine for kids
What’s happening:
A Texas-based social media user with more than 35,000 followers on X posted that she disagreed with giving the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine to kids, saying they were too young. Her post received more than 10 million views and sparked heated conversation nationally, including in Minnesota.
Some responses falsely claimed that the HPV vaccine causes infertility, injuries, and deaths—and that boys don’t need it. Others questioned why kids need the vaccine if they aren’t yet sexually active.
In contrast, many social media users supported the vaccine, emphasizing that it prevents certain cancers, works best before HPV exposure, and protects all children, regardless of gender.
Why this matters:
Comments show ongoing confusion about why all children need the HPV vaccine before they are sexually active. If vaccination rates drop, more people will be at risk for HPV-related cancers.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most people will be exposed in their lifetime.
The HPV vaccine works best when given before exposure. That’s why it’s recommended at age 11 or 12.
HPV can lead to several types of cancer, including cervical, throat, and anal cancers in both men and women.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all children, regardless of gender.
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Suggested caption:
Why do kids need the HPV vaccine?
HPV is very common, and almost everyone will be exposed at some point. The vaccine helps prevent several types of cancer and works best before kids come into contact with the virus.
Vaccinate today to help keep your child healthy tomorrow.
Some social media users falsely claimed that vaccinated people were more contagious than unvaccinated people or that the Tdap vaccine is unsafe during pregnancy. Some commenters blamed immigrant communities for spreading whooping cough.
Others pointed to low vaccination rates for the rise in cases and shared concerns about access to vaccines.
Why this matters:
Whooping cough cases tend to spike in the summer and fall, making now a critical time to share accurate information and increase vaccination rates.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
“Pertussis” is just another name for whooping cough.
Whooping cough cases typically spike in the summer and fall, unlike other respiratory illnesses.
Whooping cough is serious and can lead to pneumonia or seizures, especially in young children.
About one in three babies under age 1 who get whooping cough need hospital care.
Babies and kids under 7 need five doses of the DTaP vaccine. Preteens ages 11 or 12 need one dose of Tdap.
Share this in response
Suggested caption:
Summer brings sunshine, school breaks, and often a rise in whooping cough cases (also called “pertussis”).
Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and protect your child.
✅ Babies and children under 7 need five doses of the DTaP vaccine.
✅ Preteens ages 11-12 need one dose of Tdap.
Talk to your child’s pediatrician about staying up to date.
Low vaccination rates and more national measles cases spark concerns about future outbreaks in Minnesota
What’s happening:
News outlets reported that too few kids in Minnesota are getting the MMR vaccine, leaving communities vulnerable to measles. Online responses were divided.
Some commenters expressed frustration with vaccine-hesitant parents and urged others to vaccinate, pointing to climbing cases in other states as a warning sign for Minnesota.
Others falsely claimed that measles isn’t dangerous or that vaccines are linked to autism or death. Some argued that the government shouldn’t require vaccines and that parents alone should decide.
Why this matters:
While Minnesota has reported two measles cases this year, persistent online conversation shows residents are closely monitoring national outbreaks. Current conversations provide an opportunity to share accurate information about the MMR vaccine and reinforce how it protects communities.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Everyone needs two doses of the MMR vaccine to stop measles from spreading. Two doses are 97 percent effective against measles.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious problems, including pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death.
When enough people are vaccinated, it helps protect those who can’t be—like infants or people with weakened immune systems.
Share this in response
Suggested caption:
When enough people get vaccinated, measles can’t spread easily.
But without that protection, the disease can reach babies too young for vaccines and anyone with weak immune systems.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect you and help protect everyone around you, too.
As measles outbreaks continue in parts of the country, parents may be looking for reliable information about the MMR vaccine. Share this article to help families get the facts they need to make informed decisions.
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.
