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Pfizer and BioNTech to seek authorization of second coronavirus booster shot for people 65 and older

The decision from the FDA could come relatively quickly, especially if officials conclude the data does not have to be reviewed by a panel of outside vaccine experts.

In its first COVID-19 data report since Friday, Mass reports 1,520 confirmed cases; 9 deaths reported on Friday

Here’s a look at the latest coronavirus numbers in Massachusetts, including case numbers, deaths, demographics, and more.

Getting anti-COVID-19 drugs could soon be as easy as dropping by the drug store

The "Test to Treat" program aims to make it easy for those at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 to get oral antiviral drugs.
COVID

Brown University lifts mask mandate, makes COVID-19 testing optional for undergraduates

“Given high campus compliance with vaccination requirements and declining numbers of reported positive test results, we are comfortable making these changes next week,” read an e-mail sent Friday to the Brown community.

US to extend mask mandate for transit through April 18 while weighing new approach

Federal officials are extending the requirement for masks on planes and public transportation for one more month — through mid-April — while taking steps that could lead to lifting the rule.
Mass. coronavirus at a glance |
Vaccinations
Daily doses:
Weekly doses:
1+ dose received:
Fully vaccinated:
% of doses used:
7-day trend/avg.:
Cases and deaths
Cases
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Deaths
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Other resources:
SOURCE: Mass. Dept. of Public Health

SEE ALL COVID-19 COVERAGE ⟶

The Globe is providing coverage of the coronavirus outbreak to keep you informed on the virus, track the latest developments on its spread, and educate you on how you can remain safe during this period.
Distribution charts

How many vaccine doses Mass. has received, and who has been vaccinated

Vaccination tracker

Here’s the latest on who has been vaccinated in Massachusetts

Development news

COVID-19 vaccine updates on boosters, variants, and kids

More recent vaccine stories

Doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine booster shots at a vaccination facility set up at a shopping mall in Taipei, Taiwan.

WHO says COVID-19 boosters needed, reversing previous call

WHO eased back on its earlier position in January by saying boosters were recommended once countries had adequate supplies and after protecting their most vulnerable.

Free iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests from the federal government sit on a US Postal Service envelope after being delivered in San Anselmo, Calif., on Feb. 4.

You can now order another 4 free COVID tests from the government

President Biden announced a second round of free rapid tests in his State of the Union Address, and on Monday tweeted that Americans can now order them at COVIDtests.gov.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.

Florida to recommend against COVID vaccines for healthy kids

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said Monday that the state will formally recommend against COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children.

Kids, including 4-year-old Ivy Shi, center, of Shrewsbury, followed along to the Zumba moves of Kelly Maher, of K Energy Fitness during school vacation last week.

Mass. reports 2,395 new coronavirus cases among public school students and 689 among staff

The 3,084 total cases were 837 fewer, or about 21 percent fewer, than those from the previous reporting period, according to data published by the state.

A health worker holds a vial of the Moderna Inc. Covid-19 vaccine at the Banco Santander SA headquarters in Boadilla del Monte, Spain, on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.

EU clears Moderna shot for young kids, Pfizer boosters

The EU regulator's vaccines chief Dr. Marco Cavaleri said the Moderna vaccine for younger children will be a half-dose of what is given to older teens and adults.

Prepared Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine syringes wait for patients at a middle school in Wheeling, Ill., Friday, June 11, 2021.

As vaccine demand falls, states are left with huge stockpile

Public health departments are shuffling doses around in the hopes of finding providers that can use them.

A person receives a Nuvaxovid vaccin during the start of vaccination with the Nuvaxovid vaccine, Thursday 03 March 2022, at the Pacheco test and vaccination centre.

Rural areas in US fall further behind in vaccination rates, CDC reports

The gap has become especially pronounced among children who are eligible for vaccines, with vaccination rates for 5- to 11-year-olds twice as high in urban areas as in rural ones.

A nurse held a vial of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 - 11 in Jackson, Miss.

Pfizer shots protect kids from severe COVID even in Omicron, CDC data show

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine gave children 5 and older strong protection against hospitalization and death even during the Omicron surge that hit youngsters especially hard, US health officials reported Tuesday.