US deaths from COVID-19 hit 1 million, according to Johns Hopkins

The US death toll from COVID-19 hit 1 million on Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University, a once-unimaginable figure that only hints at the multitudes of loved ones and friends staggered by grief and frustration.

FDA clears COVID booster shot for healthy kids ages 5 to 11

There is one more hurdle: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must decide whether to formally recommend the booster for this age group.

FDA expected to soon authorize Pfizer-BioNTech’s booster for 5- to 11-year-olds

The companies announced a month ago that the extra shot significantly increased the level of neutralizing antibodies in a small clinical trial of 140 children.

‘We’re losing lives.’ Black, Latino leaders tackle racial health disparities

The group’s main objective is to design an expansive reform bill aimed at closing the deeply entrenched gaps between health outcomes.

RI HEALTH

‘COVID-19 is back in Rhode Island,’ Central Falls health strategist warns

Dr. Michael Fine details surge in Central Falls, the ‘canary in the coal mine,’ but the state Health Department says it expects ‘moderate increases and decreases’ with COVID-19 now ‘an endemic disease’ in RI.

No relief yet: Levels of coronavirus in Mass. waste water continue to rise

The levels of coronavirus detected in Eastern Massachusetts waste water continued to climb last week, suggesting more COVID-19 case increase are ahead, according to data from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority,

In bipartisan letter with Colorado governor, Baker urges quick review of Moderna vaccine for young children

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado have called for the Food and Drug Administration to “move quickly to review applications from manufacturers as soon as they are complete and the data shows sufficient benefit,” rather than waiting for Pfizer to submit an application and reviewing the two vaccines in tandem, according to a letter sent Thursday to President Biden.