Latest KFF Health News Stories
Omicron’s Variants Elude Antibodies From Previous Infection: Study
In South Africa — where the BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages of the covid omicron variant are taking hold — researchers find that those subvariants can evade antibodies from an earlier infection. But they’re less successful at dodging vaccine protection. Meanwhile, a former U.S. official warns of the likelihood of a summer surge.
Georgia Plan To Bypass ACA Insurance Marketplace Blocked
Georgia had received approval from the Trump administration to have residents shop for insurance only through private brokers, instead of the federal healthcare.gov website. But the Biden administration said Friday that move could break federal rules and cause too many people to be dropped from coverage.
Paxlovid Only Treats, Doesn’t Prevent Covid Infection: Pfizer Trials
Some experts told Stat that they were disappointed, but not surprised by the results of the 3,000 person clinical trial studying Pfizer’s antiviral drug’s ability to prevent infection. In other Paxlovid news, U.S. government researchers are looking into reports of relapses.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, prescription issues and overdose prevention.
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 the Affordable Care Act, covid, infertility, tick bites, body image, anorexia, and more.
Canada Will Allow Blood Donations From Gay Men
Restrictions on gay men donating blood are set to be lifted in Canada after the government spent C$5 million researching the change’s impact on the safety of the blood donation system. Separately, Denmark made the bold decision to halt its covid vaccine program after controlling the virus.
Viewpoints: Oprah Takes On Racism In Health Care; It’s Time To Reassess Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
New Oral Heart Disease Drug Gains FDA Approval
The new drug, called Mavacamten, tackles hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which affects about 1 in 500 people and is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. AstraZeneca, Baxter International, Merck and shareholder reluctance at opening covid patents, and more are also in health industry news.
Homelessness Influencing L.A. Mayoral Race; Houston’s Progress Applauded
Los Angeles mayoral candidates reportedly agree tackling homelessness is critical, but cannot agree on how to do it. Also, an appeals court has given Caltrans permission to clear a homeless camp in Berkeley, and in Houston the new federal homelessness head touted the region’s progress.
Servers Say No Covid Precautions Were Offered For Correspondents Dinner
A union leader representing the servers at the Washington hotel where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be held this weekend told Axios that the staff hasn’t been told about any special testing or vaccination requirements. Meanwhile, former Trump administration covid adviser Deborah Birx says in her new book that her first meeting with President Donald Trump lasted 30 seconds and he dismissed her concerns about the virus.
Covid Seriously Worsened Kid’s Mental Health: Study
The impact of covid “profoundly” impacted mental health of children and adolescents, a meta-analysis of other medical studies found. Meanwhile, the CT Mirror reports that a bill focussing on boosting children’s mental health support advanced in the Senate after gathering broad support.
Covid Deaths Varied Dramatically Across The US: More In The South
A study into excess mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a disproportionate number of deaths happened in Southern states. Separately, a study finds initial vital signs are a good indicator for covid severity during hospitalizations, and successes from an opera-singing experiment may help long-covid sufferers.
Oklahoma Abortion Providers Brace For Immediate Shut Downs From Pending Laws
The Oklahoma legislature sent two abortion bills to Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, that would take immediate effect if signed — as he is expected to do. One is modeled after Texas’ ban on the surgical procedure at roughly 6 weeks, with a private enforcement provision that has proved difficult to challenge in court. Abortion providers have already asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to block the likely law.
Medicare Advantage Plans Too Often Deny Care, HHS Watchdog Reports
The inspector general’s office urged HHS officials to increase oversight of the private insurance plans.
First US Child May Have Died During Hepatitis Outbreak
The child death in Wisconsin may be the first in the U.S. linked to the ongoing global outbreak of hepatitis, which is reported spreading across the states and the world. An algorithm to predict child neglect, Prescription Drug Take Back Day, drug overdoses in adolescents and more are in the news.
FDA’s Planned Menthol Cigarette Ban Would Impact Third Of Smokers
The FDA released its long-awaited proposed rule that could end sales in the U.S. of menthol cigarettes and cigars. The plan also includes other flavored cigars as well. It’s estimated that 18.5 million Americans use such products, including 3 out of 4 Black people who smoke.
First Human Case Of H5 Bird Flu Recorded In Colorado: CDC
The CDC says that the infected person was working to destroy birds believed to have a version of H5N1 bird flu, and that the risk to the public is believed to be low. The virus strain is currently affecting millions of American birds in around 30 states.
Parents’ Wait For Covid Vaccine For Youngest Kids May End In June
Media outlets follow up on Moderna’s FDA request for approval of its low-dose, two-shot covid vaccine for children younger than six years old. If given approval, Moderna’s shots would be the first to go into the arms of the nation’s youngest unvaxxed age group.
California Areas Report Swelling Covid Cases
In Los Angeles, hospitalizations are also starting to creep up — a more worrisome trend that has tended to follow surges in covid infections. With cases also on the rise in the Bay Area, San Francisco is bringing back some precautions.