COVID
Massachusetts data shows drain of family doctors

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.
Researchers bring push for clinical trial diversity to Boston area

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.
New COVID wave hits Boston

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.
Gov. Charlie Baker signs "step therapy" bill

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.
Getting Boston's kids vaccinated

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.
Most Massachusetts kids have had COVID
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.
FEMA foots millions in COVID-related funeral bills for Mass. families

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.
What to know about under-5 COVID vaccines in Massachusetts

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.

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