Latest KFF Health News Stories
California Omicron Deaths Surprisingly High Among Vaccinated Patients
An analysis by the Bay Area News Group of the four deadliest weeks of the delta and omicron surges finds that three times more vaccinated people died in the state during the omicron peak than during delta’s heyday. And public health officials in Philadelphia are concerned that vaccination efforts are not reaching enough children.
Health Care Employment Soared In February
Hiring rose across nearly all sectors by around 63,500 jobs last month. Media outlets, on the other hand, cover the ongoing health worker shortage, including difficulties in finding therapists. Medical supply shortages of different types are also reported.
‘We’re Not Going To Normal 2019’: Experts Offer Roadmap For Next Covid Steps
A group of public health experts released a report for pandemic-weary Americans suggesting the next course. While advocating for treating covid like other high-risk respiratory illnesses, they outline scenarios for how that shift could play out. Other news outlets take stock after two years of the coronavirus.
Patient Returns Home After Being Hospitalized For 550 Days Due To Covid
A Roswell, New Mexico, man received a police escort back home after spending over 1.5 years in the hospital after a covid diagnosis — much of it on a ventilator. Other virus news reports on animal transmission, variants, and more.
Most Texans Barred From An Abortion In State Had One Elsewhere: Studies
Two studies find that Texas’ restrictive law kept about 10 percent of patients seeking abortion access from getting it. The rest went out of state for the procedure or were prescribed medication online.
GOP Demands Accounting Of Covid Funds Before Approving New Money
Group of Republican senators vow to not support new virus relief measures until the Biden administration provides more transparency on where past funds have been spent. The White House says efforts to fight the pandemic are about to run out of money.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages weigh in on these public health topics.
Opinion writers tackle these covid topics.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on Facebook, wood-burning stoves, covid, genital mutilation, and more.
California Unveils ‘CARE Court’ To Help The Unhoused Get Mental Health Care
For the first time, the state would require counties to provide comprehensive treatment to people suffering from debilitating psychosis — and risk sanctions if they don’t, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Fire Extinguished After Russians Strike Ukrainian Nuclear Plant
Media outlets cover the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on nuclear infrastructure — including strikes on a power plant that started a fire, sparking worry over radioactive leaks. The site was determined to be a training facility. Also, experts worry over disturbing the debris at the Chernobyl disaster site.
White House Will Share Some Covid Tech With WHO
Dr. Anthony Fauci explained the plan to journalists, with the goal being to help tackle covid around the globe. Meanwhile, new evidence from an international science team strongly points to a seafood market in Wuhan, China, as the source of covid, where the virus jumped from animals to people.
Nonprofit Civica Rx to Make Insulin For Under $30 A Vial
Pending federal approval, the new affordable insulin source will be available as soon as early 2024. Civica’s effort will be supported by Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurers and others. Separately, a proposed $35 Build Back Better cap on monthly insulin costs is discussed.
Alzheimer’s Drug Woes Push Biogen To Lay Off Staff
Stat reports that a reduction of around 1,000 jobs may happen at Biogen, likely due to ongoing sales problems hitting its controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm. A data breach at Michigan Medicine, controversy over ads by Mass General Brigham, and more are also in the news.
Drinking Might Shrink Your Brain But May Reduce Diabetes Risk: Studies
Axios reports on a study published in Nature that links reduced brain volume to alcohol consumption, even among moderate drinkers. On the other hand, a study reported by the Press Association links drinking wine with food to a lower risk of developing diabetes.
Bots, Trolls Ease Up On Spread Of Covid Misinfo As They Pivot To Ukraine
Two possible explanations: Russia began limiting access to Twitter on Saturday, and sanctions have been levied against those who could be financing disinformation sites and bot farms, The Guardian says. In related news, the Surgeon General wants tech companies to share data on their sources of disinformation.
9 In 10 Americans Don’t Need Masks Now, CDC Data Show
Meanwhile, the NFL and NFL Players Association suspended all covid rules for 2022’s football season, effective immediately. L.A. County will also lift indoor mask rules today. And Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is reportedly using footage of him scolding students for wearing masks to raise money.
Millions Of Vaccines In US Stockpiles Are Sitting Unused
Falling demand for covid shots is blamed for unused vaccines stored across the country, including in both highly- and poorly-vaccinated states. Other vaccine news relates to worries of parents of younger children who can’t get shots yet, and Moderna’s plans to open a hub in Atlanta.
Florida Abortion Ban After 15 Weeks Heads To DeSantis’ Desk
Both chambers of Florida’s legislature have ow approved the strict measure, which shortens the window for most abortions from 24 weeks to 15 with no exceptions for victims of rape, incest or human trafficking. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign it into law.