Full Vax By Xmas For MA Kids Between 5-11, Feds Say: Patch PM

MASSACHUSETTS — It's Wednesday, Oct. 20. Here's what you should know this afternoon:

• Wellesley High School students accused of viciously attacking a classmate over the summer are back in school, prompting members of the community and peers to come together Wednesday morning to show support for the victim.
• It' Devin Suau day, which means it's an extra special day to commit an act of kindness.
• A government coronavirus plan says that kids between 5 and 11 could be completely vaccinated by Christmas.

Scroll down for more on those and other stories Patch has been covering in Massachusetts today.

Today's Top Story

Young children in Massachusetts could be fully vaccinated by Christmas if the federal government's plan stays on track.

The White House said Wednesday it is working with states to be ready to hit the ground running after regulators give an expected green light to Pfizer's vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a meeting scheduled for Nov. 2-3, and millions of doses are ready to be shipped around the country — including to Massachusetts — within hours of approval.

Massachusetts officials plan to speak about the rollout Thursday after a joint oversight committee hearing. The CDC approval would instantly make nearly 900,000 Massachusetts children eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The government's plan would make the vaccine available at doctor offices, pharmacies and potentially even schools.

Read the full story.

Previously on Patch:

• Most MA Parents Will Vaccinate Younger Kids After FDA OK: Survey
• MA Could Vaccinate Younger Children Within A Month
• National Guard Activated For School Covid Testing In MA

Wednesday's Other Top Stories

Attackers back in school: The Wellesley High School students accused of viciously attacking a classmate over the summer are back in school, prompting members of the community and peers to come together Wednesday morning to show support for the victim.

Tufts student dies in accident: Madie Nicpon, a member of the Class of 2023, was a biopsychology major and women's lacrosse player. Tufts officials did not elaborate on the nature of the accident, but a university spokesperson confirmed to the Boston Herald the accident happened at a charity fundraiser at an off-campus residence in Somerville.

Devin Suau Day: The Framingham youngster died four years ago today, and the city is honoring him with a week encouraging local residents to commit acts of kindness.

Hunter's Moon over MA: The Orionid meteor shower and the October full hunter's moon have lead roles on the skywatching marquee this month, but the full moon gets top billing and is likely to blot out all but the brightest shooting stars across Massachusetts Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Marlborough mayor on 6th term: Arthur Vigeant first won the Marlborough mayoral contest in 2011. He's back for another term this year, and is talking about what he wants to do with another two years.

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They said it

"The time for decision-making is now. Waiting means no plan for needed classes, offices and
program spaces for town and schools. Waiting means already tired buildings becoming in even
more disrepair. Waiting means we do not use the strategic resources (MSBA, ARPA funding) to
assist us in proactive planning for our town."

—A Natick Public Schools memo released this week about dire repairs needed in schools across the town.