Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientists Say Yes, You Can Catch Covid Many Times; It May Become Normal
A somewhat bleak report in The New York Times covers scientific opinion on the future of covid: Covid shows no sign of just fading away. It’s adept at reinfecting people, and it’s likely numerous infection waves will be a recurring pattern every year. Meanwhile, covid cases are surging.
Baby Formula Import Rules Eased; Abbott Steps Up US Production
Media outlets cover the Biden administration’s efforts to ease the crunch in the U.S. baby formula supply, which followed a closure of an Abbott factory because of concerns about contamination. Import rules for foreign-sourced formula were eased. Abbott and other makers are boosting U.S. production.
Biden Signs Law Banning Baby Sleep Products Linked To Deaths
Inclined sleepers and crib bumpers, linked to more than 200 infant deaths, are no longer allowed to be manufactured or sold in the U.S. thanks to the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. The Bay Area News Group tackles the complex issue of whether babies sleeping in car seats, strollers, or slings are similarly at risk.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers delve into covid vaccines and variants as well as nursing issues.
Kim Jong Un: North Korean Covid Outbreak Is Officials’ Fault
The North Korean leader said experts didn’t carry out his orders relating to public health. Meanwhile in Shanghai, authorities plan to ease restrictions as a recent covid surge comes under control, but in New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, lauded for early pandemic successes, now has covid.
Viewpoints: Menstrual Stigma Prevents Women From Receiving Proper Care
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Staff Allegedly Invented Diagnoses To Justify Treatments In Colorado Mental Facility
“Bogus patient evaluations” were intentionally written by workers at the Mind Springs Health facility, whistleblowers say, and other poor practices allegedly included made-up diagnoses to justify expensive Medicaid-supported treatments.
Federal Judge Blocks Alabama Anti-Trans Youth Medication Law
A law in Alabama had made prescribing gender-affirming meds to a transgender minor a felony, but a preliminary injunction to block its enforcement is now in place during a lawsuit. Also: approval for hospital visitors in Missouri, a Pennsylvania Senate candidate’s stroke, and more.
Eli Lilly Type-2 Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Gains FDA Approval
A company press release about the drug noted it was more effective than other treatments for diabetes that were studied. The injected drug lowers blood sugar and can help weight loss. Other pharmaceutical news includes reforms to FDA regulation of dietary supplements, plus race and AI in X-ray analysis.
Americans Still Tussling Over Mask, Vaccine Mandates And Bans
In Kansas, the Democratic governor vetoed a Republican-led bill to ban mask mandates. And at the Air Force Academy, four cadets will not be able to graduate or take up their commissions since they refused a vaccine mandate. Media outlets cover other battles over these covid protections.
Study Finds Link Between SIDS Risk And Biochemical Marker
Fox News covers a promising development in the battle against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. But the ongoing pediatric hepatitis outbreak is still puzzling experts, Stat reports, even though researchers have realized it echoes a similar confusing surge in acute flaccid myelitis in children.
Spotlight On Failure Of Mental Health System To Stop Accused Buffalo Shooter
Reports say the 18-year-old white man accused of a racially-motivated shooting spree had previously made threatening comments that resulted in a brief mental health hospitalization. Media outlets cover the possibility that a chance to avert the massacre was missed.
No Jail Time For Convicted Nurse
RaDonda Vaught, convicted of two felonies after accidentally poisoning a patient, is given probation rather than jail time. Her prosecution angered nurses across the country.
Pfizer Says Its Vaccine Saved At Least 110,000 Lives In 2021
Health experts say these types of studies are essential in the face of skepticism and misinformation because it’s important for people to understand that vaccines save lives. And a lot of soul-searching in the media as America passes the million-deaths milestone and Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would not work with Donald Trump again.
Oklahoma’s Governor Says He’s Wary Of Pro-Choice Policies On Tribal Lands
Reports note a “significant portion” of Oklahoma is tribal land where crimes can only be prosecuted by tribal or federal courts. Speaking on Fox News, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt implied Native Americans, or people fractionally identifying as such, may try to skirt anti-abortion state laws.
Justice Clarence Thomas Slams Leak; Pelosi Blasts Court As ‘Dangerous’
The Supreme Court is under scrutiny from inside and out as an official decision on abortion rights draws near.
Thousands Across US Protest Against Threat To Abortion Rights
News outlets from across the country report on protests that erupted in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court opinion that threatens Roe v. Wade. “Rage,” “fury,” and “fear” are typical reported terms describing how the protesters feel about the threat to abortion rights.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine abortion and covid.