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The Massachusetts child welfare system has a responsibility to protect vulnerable children and ensure they receive safe, stable, and supportive care. However, policymakers identified a need for stronger oversight, improved transparency, and better coordination among agencies responsible for serving children in state care.

Massachusetts has become the first state in the U.S. to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state, including vaccines for respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV, and routine vaccines for children, like measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. Furthermore, CVS and Walgreens are now working to make COVID-19 vaccine appointments available online.

Several states have enacted laws restricting access to reproductive health care and gender-affirming care while attempting to investigate, penalize, or prosecute individuals who seek those services in states where they remain legal. These actions have raised concerns about patient privacy, access to care, and legal protections for health care providers.