Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC Advising Some To Wait 8 Weeks Between Doses Of MRNA Vaccines
In an update to its guidance, the CDC now recommends that some space out their initial two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer covid shots. The latest research shows that the longer interval can boost protection levels and lower the risk of rare side effects. People with weakened immune systems and those 65 and older should stick with the original, shorter schedule.
New CDC Metrics Coming To Guide Next Phase Of Pandemic Response
A CDC scientist tells CNN that the agency will issue new guidance on how communities can gauge their local virus risk in order to set policies on covid precautions like masks. Dr. Anthony Fauci also says that current indicators could lead to restrictions easing.
Reopening Concerns Arise Due To Omicron Subvariant
Both Axios and the Wall Street Journal report that highly-infectious omicron, and its new subvariant BA.2, are spurring worries as reopening plans begin to take effect. Meanwhile AP reports on expert warnings that a mass omicron infection is not the same as reaching herd immunity.
Sanofi, GSK To Seek Covid Vaccine Approval, Citing 100% Protection Against Hospitalization
Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline is preparing to request regulatory authorization in the U.S. and Europe for their covid vaccine. After setbacks, early data from the late-stage trials showed its two-dose shot was 100% effective against severe illness and hospitalization and 75% effective against moderate disease.
First Edition: February 24, 2022
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Results Of Covid Misinformation; Covid Is Here For The Long Haul
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
Three Doses Of Moderna Vaccine Prove Extremely Effective
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Texas Takes On Opioids; Gender-Affirming Care Needs Broader Scientific Analysis
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues, as well as a look back on the life of Dr. Paul Farmer.
Perspectives: New Ideas For Treating Long Term Opioid Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
A Cultural Shift In Southeast Could Come From Medical Marijuana
The Mississippi Clarion Ledger reports on progress toward legalizing medical marijuana, and how it may prompt a big change in ideology in the South. Other news includes a Maryland program to help HIV patients pay for meds, and New York City starts its program to clear homeless people from the subway.
Europe Plans To Soften Restrictions For Vaccinated Travelers
In a further sign that the pandemic’s current peak has likely passed, the European Union agreed that member states should relax restrictions placed on incoming foreign visitors. Meanwhile, concerns swell over the covid situation in North Korea, and South Korea reports a huge surge in new cases.
In A First, Scientists Capture Electrical Signals From A Dying Brain
The new results were gained in a coincidental EEG procedure during which the patient suffered a heart attack. The results may prompt a rethink about death process, and even impact organ harvesting practices. Obesity, human gene regulation, an RSV vaccine, and more are also in the news.
Study Shows Vaccine Protections Weaker Against Omicron
New research also shows that though omicron caused higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death for fully-vaccinated people, shots did provide significant protection against severe cases needing hospital stays. Other studies show reinfections with the new BA.2 omicron subvariant are possible but rare.
Little Progress Made In Stamping Out Racism In Medical Care
A report in Stat covers concerns over inaction over racism in medical care, despite an older, scathing report about its impact on people of different backgrounds. Separately, the World Health Organization released a guide for programs to protect health workers at all levels of the industry.
Washington State’s Public Option Insurance Plan Is Slow Out Of The Box
When Congress failed to add a government-sponsored insurance plan to those sold on the insurance marketplaces, Washington state opted to offer its own. But the initiative has been hampered by hospitals’ hesitancy to participate.
Florida, S.D., Indiana Lawmakers Move To Tighten Abortion Laws
A Florida House panel approved a bill banning abortions after 15 weeks; a South Dakota House committee endorsed a bill requiring people getting medical abortions to see a doctor three times and the Indiana Senate passed a bill seeking to thwart “coerced” abortions.
Avian Flu Found In Several Florida Bird Species
Meanwhile, CDC advisers are considering whether to recommend a high-dose flu shot for seniors to help combat the illness. The increased costs of child care during the pandemic, and a settlement from Firestone over toxic sulfur emissions are also reported.
Trans Health In Spotlight As Texas AG Calls Minors’ Gender Surgery ‘Abuse’
Reports cover how political actions impact the lives of transgender youths. Among the moves, a bill is introduced in the Idaho House to make gender confirmation surgery on minors illegal. In Texas the attorney general declared such surgery could constitute child abuse under state law.
Supreme Court Won’t Consider Health Worker Bid For Religious Vaccine Exemption
The Supreme Court has again refused to hear a group of Maine health workers’ objection to their state’s covid vaccine mandate, that does not include a religious exemption. Other vaccine news focuses on “passports,” child vaccination rates and boosters.
Covid Cases Down An Encouraging 90% From 5 Weeks Ago
Around 84,000 new cases per day on average are now being reported, as compared to the pandemic-high of 800,000 infections reported on Jan. 15. Hospitalizations are also in decline in most places. But conditions remain dangerous for young kids and people who are immunocompromised.