GOV. CHARLIE BAKER wrote a letter to President Biden urging the US Food and Drug Administration to quickly consider approving Moderna’s application for a COVID-19 vaccine for children. The state’s Republican governor joined Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis in writing the letter, which was sent Thursday. “Parents have been told, over and over again, that […]
COVID-19 vaccine
Posted inHealth Care
Vaccine mandate prompts exit of 1,013 state workers
MORE THAN 1,000 state employees have now left state government rather than comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Massachusetts executive branch vaccine mandate went into effect October 17, but actual firings have been spread out over several months as state agencies reviewed waiver requests, handled appeals, and meted out suspensions, which are a […]
Posted inHealth Care
Baker clarifies stance on vaccine QR codes
A DAY AFTER Gov. Charlie Baker revealed that states are in discussions about a scannable code that could be used as proof of COVID vaccination, the Republican governor clarified that he remains opposed to restricting access to businesses or spaces based on vaccine status. “Governor Baker is not and has never been in favor of […]
Posted inEducation
Mass. Teachers Assn. backs vaccine mandate
THE MASSACHUSETTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION is embracing mandatory vaccinations for all employees and eligible students in public schools and colleges across the state, subject to collective bargaining agreements concerning those not yet eligible for the shots or those for whom vaccination is not medically advisable. “Requiring vaccines for educators and eligible students is a reasonable measure […]
Posted inHealth Care
Baker continues to cite constraints in vaccine supply
ARE YOU A Massachusetts resident frustrated to be still waiting for your COVID shot? Gov. Charlie Baker has a message: blame the feds. “I think it’s unfair that I can’t currently vaccinate everyone in Massachusetts who wants to get vaccinated, but it’s a fact. It’s a reality. Until there’s more vaccine we’re going to be playing this waiting game,” […]
Posted inOpinion
Technocratic vaccine plan leaves behind those most in need
FROM THE START, the Commonwealth’s vaccination efforts have suffered from a pervasive disconnect. No one thought to involve municipalities and local health boards in the planning process. Multilingual call lines and functional websites weren’t in place at the start of the process. Local agencies, advocates, and providers who best know the barriers to access were […]
Posted inHealth Care
Baker wants to send National Guard to pick up vaccines
GOV. CHARLIE BAKER is seeking federal permission to send the Massachusetts National Guard to pick up vaccine doses from Tennessee and Kentucky, to avoid weather-related delays. Baker said the state was informed Wednesday evening by the federal government that Massachusetts might see a “significant delay” in its shipment of COVID-19 vaccine doses for next week due to weather […]
Posted inHealth Care
Baker offers vaccines to ‘companions’ of those over 75
GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Wednesday said anyone bringing someone 75 and over to one of the state’s mass vaccination sites can also get inoculated even if it’s not their appointed time in the vaccine pecking order. Baker said he believed the new policy, which takes effect Thursday, will encourage more people 75 and over to […]
Posted inHealth Care
In vaccine rollout, cities find themselves on the front line
IN ALL THE finger-pointing over the state’s shaky COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the criticism may have been aimed at Charlie Baker, but in Revere, the phone calls went to Brian Arrigo. Local government is where people often turn first for help, and Revere’s mayor said they have looked to him and city government throughout the pandemic. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Health Care
Prisoners get high priority for vaccine
ADVOCATES FOR THE 13,000 people incarcerated at state and county jails praised the Baker administration on Wednesday for deciding to give prisoners and prison officials early access to the COVID-19 vaccine, but said they would continue to press state officials to release inmates early. “It is commendable that the governor recognizes that prisoners should be […]