Following long tradition, Black clergy take the lead in coronavirus pandemic
By Meghan E. Irons Globe Staff,Updated January 17, 2021, 4:58 p.m.
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Rev. Calvin Butts of the Abyssinian Baptist Church received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at 132 Odell Clark Place, in Harlem in Manhattan, NY. His wife also received the vaccine. He said he received the Pfizer vaccine.Jennifer S. Altman
When the Rev. Raphael Warnock, a newly elected senator from Georgia and pastor of the church Martin Luther King Jr. once led, got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Friday, he joined a long line of Black pastors taking the lead in a national crisis.
Friends, family and colleagues of Irvienne Goldson said to know her was to love her.
Sadily, Ms. Goldson, who served as deputy director of Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Health Services, died suddenly last week.
Ms. Goldson joined ABCD in 1992 as manager of education and training and rose to become deputy director of ABCD Health Services department and a powerhouse of healthcare advocacy in Boston.
Irvienne Goldson
“It is with the deepest sadness that I share that Irvienne Goldson passed away suddenly,” said EBCD President and CEO John Drew in a statement announcing her passing. “Her rare leadership and unflagging commitment to the Boston community made her not only respected but beloved.”
Access last week’s coronavirus updates here.
Mass. extends deadline for student flu vaccine requirement (Dec. 23)
The deadline for school students in Massachusetts to be vaccinated for the seasonal flu has been extended to Feb. 28, 2021.
Under a mandate announced by the Department of Public Health in August, all children older than 6 months who are attending child care, pre-school, kindergarten through grade 12 schools, and colleges and universities must be vaccinated.
Students can be exempt from the shot if a medical or religious reason is provided; if they are homeschooled; or if they are in higher education, live off-campus, and only attend class virtually.
Updated on December 16, 2020 at 7:01 pm
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As the COVID-19 vaccine distribution gets underway across the United States, a Boston-area focus group on Wednesday listened to concerns from people who have skepticism about getting the shot.
The focus group was held at the Whittier Street Health Center in Boston s Roxbury neighborhood and not only discussed COVID-19 vaccines but talked about trust, something that is lacking in communities of color.
Carol Crippen lives in the city s Dorchester neighborhood and says she will not get the vaccine right away. I will not be the first one to jump out the door and take this vaccine, she said Wednesday. I m not sure that I really trust it. I want to see what is going on with it. I want to see what the adverse reactions are.