Forum on measles, vaccinations changes few minds in Minneapolis Somali Community

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MINNEAPOLIS ? Health experts spent nearly two hours at a Somali community forum in Minneapolis, saying the measles vaccine is safe and necessary.

But the Star Tribune reports there's little evidence Saturday night's event changed anyone's mind. And a vaccine clinic outside the meeting room was still awaiting its first customer.

The newspaper says more than 50 people attended the forum prompted by a measles outbreak in Hennepin County that has sickened 11 people, including five Somali children.

Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed, a Somali physician, warned that families who don't vaccinate their children put their lives in danger. He and others experts said studies show the vaccine does not cause autism.

The Somali community has been shaken by reports of growing autism rates, and health officials say vaccinations have dropped as a result.
The Star Tribune story can be found at: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/118722284.html