Measles Vaccination Rates Plummet Among Minnesota's Somali Community

Fears over autism and immigration crackdown compound public health crisis

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Measles vaccination rates among Minnesota's large Somali community have plummeted, with the myth that the shot causes autism spreading. Even four measles outbreaks since 2011 have not reversed the trend. Now, with the U.S. on the verge of losing its measles elimination status, those on the front lines of the battle against vaccine misinformation say much progress has been lost as many residents fear leaving home, let alone seeking medical advice or visiting a doctor's office.

Why it matters

The Somali community in Minnesota has some of the lowest measles vaccination rates in the state, putting the entire community at risk of outbreaks. Vaccine misinformation has taken hold, with many believing the MMR vaccine causes autism despite scientific evidence to the contrary. This public health crisis has been compounded by fears over immigration enforcement, leaving many Somali residents too afraid to seek routine medical care.

The details

In 2006, 92% of Somali 2-year-olds were up-to-date on the measles vaccine, but today the rate is closer to 24%. A 95% vaccination rate is needed to prevent measles outbreaks. Vaccine misinformation has long thrived in the Somali community, with many blaming the MMR shot for higher autism rates. Local health officials have tried to combat this through community outreach, mobile clinics, and working with Somali health providers, but these efforts have been start-and-stop due to funding cuts and inconsistent outreach. Many Somali parents prefer to wait until their child is 5 to vaccinate, despite a lack of evidence that this reduces autism risk.

  • In 2006, 92% of Somali 2-year-olds were up-to-date on the measles vaccine.
  • Today, the measles vaccination rate among Somali 2-year-olds in Minnesota is closer to 24%.
  • Minnesota has logged 26 measles cases last year, with the cases across several different communities with pockets of unvaccinated people.

The players

Munira Maalimisaq

A nurse practitioner and CEO of the Inspire Change Clinic, which serves the Somali community in Minneapolis.

Yusuf Abdulle

An imam who says immigration enforcement has put everything on hold, with people stuck in their homes and unable to focus on childhood vaccination.

Carly Edson

The immunization outreach coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Mahdi Warsama

The CEO of the Somali Parents Autism Network.

Fatuma Sharif-Mohamed

A Somali community health educator who says short doctor appointments don't work to change parents' minds on vaccination.

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What they’re saying

“People are worried about survival. Vaccines are the last thing on people's minds. But it is a big issue.”

— Munira Maalimisaq, Nurse practitioner and CEO of Inspire Change Clinic

“People are stuck in their homes, cannot go to work. It is madness. And the last thing to think about is talking about autism, talking about childhood vaccination. Adults cannot get out of the house, forget about kids.”

— Yusuf Abdulle, Imam

“Measles is just a plane ride away, and measles is going to find the unvaccinated. We are always at risk.”

— Carly Edson, Immunization outreach coordinator, Minnesota Department of Health

“The misinformers will always fill the void.”

— Mahdi Warsama, CEO, Somali Parents Autism Network

“That 15 minutes will not change the mind of a parent.”

— Fatuma Sharif-Mohamed, Somali community health educator

What’s next

Doctors are pushing beyond the exam room to change parents' minds on vaccination, including using social media videos and prenatal classes for expectant parents. The state health department is also working to catch up unvaccinated children, with data showing 86% of Somali kids get at least one measles vaccine dose by age 6, just short of the statewide rate of 89%.

The takeaway

This public health crisis highlights the need for sustained, community-based outreach and education to address vaccine hesitancy, especially in immigrant communities facing other challenges like fears over immigration enforcement. Overcoming misinformation and restoring trust in the medical system will be crucial to improving vaccination rates and preventing future measles outbreaks.