Measles Vaccination Rates Plummet Among Minnesota's Somali Community

Fears over immigration crackdown and autism myths compound public health crisis

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Public health officials and community leaders in Minnesota say that even before a federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, a crisis was brewing over plummeting measles vaccination rates among the state's large Somali community. The myth that the measles vaccine causes autism has spread, and not even four measles outbreaks since 2011 have made a dent in 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 Somali residents fear leaving home, let alone seeking medical advice or visiting a doctor's office.

Why it matters

Measles is an extremely contagious disease, and a 95% vaccination rate is needed to prevent outbreaks. Minnesota's Somali community has seen vaccination rates plummet from 92% in 2006 to around 24% today, putting the entire community at risk. This public health crisis is compounded by fears over immigration enforcement and persistent myths about autism and the measles vaccine.

The details

In 2006, 92% of Somali 2-year-olds in Minnesota were up-to-date on the measles vaccine, but today the rate is closer to 24%. Many Somali parents believe the myth that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism, despite a lack of scientific evidence. The estimated autism rate in Somali 4-year-olds in Minnesota is 3.5 times higher than that of white 4-year-olds, though researchers don't know why. Community vaccination efforts have gone through cycles, starting and stopping, and federal funding cuts have affected outreach efforts. The recent federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis has also caused many Somali residents to stay home, further eroding trust in the medical system.

  • In 2006, 92% of Somali 2-year-olds in Minnesota were up-to-date on the measles vaccine.
  • Today, the measles vaccination rate among Somali 2-year-olds in Minnesota is around 24%.

The players

Munira Maalimisaq

Nurse practitioner and CEO of the Inspire Change Clinic, which serves many Somali residents in Minneapolis.

Yusuf Abdulle

Imam who says immigration enforcement has put everything on hold, including discussions about childhood vaccination.

Carly Edson

Immunization outreach coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Mahdi Warsama

CEO of the Somali Parents Autism Network.

Fatuma Sharif-Mohamed

Somali community health educator.

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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 and public health officials in Minnesota are working on new strategies to reach the Somali community, including social media videos from doctors and possibly prenatal classes for expectant parents. They are also making efforts to follow up with hesitant parents over multiple visits to try to change minds.

The takeaway

This public health crisis highlights the challenges of combating vaccine misinformation, especially in marginalized communities that face other pressing concerns like immigration enforcement. Restoring trust and providing culturally competent outreach will be crucial to improving vaccination rates and protecting the Somali community from the threat of measles.