COVID

Steph Solis
Jan 25, 2023 - COVID

Massachusetts data shows drain of family doctors

Illustration of a health professional carrying a cardboard box packed with office items.

Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios

Massachusetts officials released new data today confirming what doctors already suspected: Primary care physicians left their specialty at a higher rate than the national average, exacerbating challenges for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Driving the news: 3.6% of the state’s primary care physicians left the field in 2020, the most recent year the data was available, according to the Center for Health Information and Analysis.

Steph Solis
Jan 18, 2023 - COVID

Researchers bring push for clinical trial diversity to Boston area

Mohammad Millwala, CEO of DM Clinical Research, reads remarks he printed out on a piece of white paper at the grand opening of the Brookline site.

Mohammad Millwala, CEO of DM Clinical Research, gives remarks during the grand opening of the company’s new Brookline site. Photo: Steph Solis/Axios

A company that tested COVID-19 vaccine shots for Moderna and other major manufacturers aims to boost diversity in clinical trials with help from its new Brookline site.

Why it matters: Women and nonwhite people have historically been left out of clinical research for life-saving medicine, and DM Clinical Research is trying to change that, CEO Mohammad Millwala tells Axios.

Mike Deehan
Jan 9, 2023 - COVID

New COVID wave hits Boston

Illustration of a stop sign shaped like a covid particle.

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

A new wave of COVID-19 is hitting Boston nearly three years after the start of the pandemic.

Why it matters: Boston officials are asking people to mask up, maintain social distancing and avoid large crowds while the spread is still high.

Mike Deehan
Nov 2, 2022 - COVID

Gov. Charlie Baker signs "step therapy" bill

Illustration of a prescription bottle surrounded by plus signs and circles

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Patients in Massachusetts will have better access to a wider array of medications after Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill yesterday that was unanimously approved by lawmakers.

The big picture: The so-called "step therapy" bill will curtail the policy of insurance providers insisting on lower-cost treatments before approving coverage of more expensive medications.

Steph Solis
Sep 15, 2022 - COVID

Getting Boston's kids vaccinated

Illustration of a backpack on a background of college ruled paper, surrounded by dots.

Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios

As students return to schools with looser COVID-19 restrictions, Boston health officials are trying to get more children vaccinated.

Why it matters: While three-quarters of Boston residents are fully vaccinated, that number drops to about 49% among kids ages 5-11.

Steph Solis
Aug 26, 2022 - News

Most Massachusetts kids have had COVID

Data: CDC; Map: Simran Parwani/Axios

Nearly three-fourths of Massachusetts children have had COVID-19, according to recent surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Driving the news: The CDC estimates that 74% of Massachusetts children had COVID-19 antibodies as of June 25, based on testing of 628 blood samples.

Steph Solis
Aug 15, 2022 - COVID

FEMA foots millions in COVID-related funeral bills for Mass. families

Illustration of a hand at a vigil holding a candle wrapped in a $100 bill.

Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios

Massachusetts families received more than $53.5 million to cover COVID-related funeral expenses during the pandemic, according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

  • The agency has paid for 7,865 funerals in the state as of Aug. 1, spokesperson Dennis W. Pinkham said in an email to Axios.
Mike Deehan
Jun 21, 2022 - News

What to know about under-5 COVID vaccines in Massachusetts

Illustration of a stack of wooden toy blocks showing a syringe, a COVID cell and a cotton swab.

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

COVID-19 vaccines are finally available for children under the age of 5 and parents are scrambling to find appointments for their little ones.

What's happening: The Baker administration authorized children from 6 months to 4 years old to get either a Moderna or Pfizer shot Friday.

  • This follows federal clearance last week.
  • The Pfizer vaccine will be a course of three pediatric doses, while Moderna will be two doses for full vaccination.
Bostonpostcard

Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Boston.

🌱

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more