Keeping our community healthy—together
Many people have questions about vaccines. This website gives you answers in English and Somali to help you take care of your family and community.
Click the “Select language” button at the top of this website to read in Somali.
Artwork by Wasima Farah
Get answers to common questions about vaccines
Parents want to keep their children safe, and vaccines are an important part of that. Click on each question below to learn more about vaccines and how they protect our community.
Get answers about measles
Measles is a serious disease. It’s important to have all the information to protect your family and community. Click on each question to show the answer.
Why is measles so dangerous?
Measles is not just a rash, and it can be very dangerous for young kids. Sadly, children in the U.S. have even died from measles in 2025, and many more have become sick. Measles can lead to high fevers, diarrhea, lung problems (pneumonia), deafness, and brain swelling. These issues can cause permanent damage and put kids more at risk for other infections.
Measles is highly contagious. It can harm the entire community, not just your child, so it’s important to know the signs: fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash of tiny red spots that usually starts on the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body.
If you notice these symptoms, especially if it is within three weeks after returning from a trip outside of the U.S., stay home and call a doctor right away.
A conversation with Dr. Mahad Ururshe
Hear from a local pediatric doctor about the important role of vaccines for protecting our community and information about each vaccine that children should receive.
Keep your community safe and healthy with vaccines
Want to learn more? Watch this video of Muhammad and his son Hassan talking about the importance of vaccines to protect all of us.
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