Munira Maalimisaq, a family nurse practitioner and the CEO of Inspire Change Clinic, has an effective way of explaining vaccines to people who are new to the concept of immunization:
“It’s like teaching your body how to read,” she says. When your immune system gets a little exposure to a small amount of live vaccine, it learns how to “read” the measles virus and stop it from infecting you.
How to get vaccinated in Minnesota
Simply go to your regular health care provider, or find another location to get a free vaccination. If you’re not sure whether you’ve been vaccinated, you can look up your status at
More measles information, in Somali
- Islamic Association or North America (IANA): Ways to Protect Your Child from Contracting Measles
Video created by IANA and the Somali Nurses Association - Public health nurse Muna Farah talks about the risk of measles during travel and the importance of vaccination in the Somali and East African communities throughout Minnesota.
- St. Cloud Somali Radio: Digniin: Iska talaal Xanuunka talaalka, Haddii aad dibadda u safrayso
Interview provided in Somali. Recorded on April 11, 2024. Interviewer: Ahmed Laarri. - Oromia 11: Understanding Measles: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments. Dr. Muna Farah
Interview provided in English. Recorded on April 12, 2024. Interviewer: Abdulnaasir Tufaa. - Somali TV Minnesota: Wax ka Ogow Halista Curdurka Jadeecada
Interview provided in Somali. Recorded on April 22, 2024. Interviewer: Abdirizak Diis.
- St. Cloud Somali Radio: Digniin: Iska talaal Xanuunka talaalka, Haddii aad dibadda u safrayso
