Latest KFF Health News Stories
Parents Fret As Kids Return To School
Some experts — including Education Secretary Miguel Cardona — insist it’s safe for children to be in the classroom. But what about schools without requirements for masking, vaccines or physical distancing? Many parents are left with no choice but to wait and see.
Study: Antibodies From Covid Infection Can Later Attack Healthy Organs
The research showed persistent antibodies after six months, even if the patient had not been severely ill with covid. Other news is on covid among deer, “flurona” in unvaxxed pregnant women and more.
Just One More Hurdle To Clear Before Kids Ages 12 To 15 Can Get Booster
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the use of the Pfizer covid vaccine booster for those who are 12 to 15 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to sign off as well this week, as record numbers of children are being hospitalized due to the virus.
One Day, One Million-Plus Covid Cases: Biden To Speak About Historic Surge
President Joe Biden will address the nation as nearly every corner of it is experiencing an unprecedented rush of covid infections.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Real-Life Impact Of Covid On Nurses; People Are Weary Of Covid Restrictions
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
Editorial writers tackle these public health 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 covid, breast cancer, schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, tornado safety and more.
Texas Abortion Providers Push For Fast Appeals Case Hearing
Abortion providers are trying to avoid the delay of moving their case against the state’s abortion laws to the Texas Supreme Court, and want instead to be heard by a district judge. Separately, Ohio’s governor signed a “born alive” bill, which threatens to shutter the last providers in Dayton and Cincinnati.
AstraZeneca Booster Effective Against Omicron; Sinovac’s 3 Doses Aren’t
Oxford scientists, Reuters reports, have found that a booster shot (completing a 3-dose course) of AstraZeneca’s covid shot tackles omicron variant covid. But Bloomberg reports on research showing a 3-dose course of China’s Sinovac vaccine doesn’t produce enough antibodies to combat omicron.
More Colleges Move Online For January; College Football Is Reeling
News outlets report more educational establishments have chosen to shift to remote learning when the spring term starts, in the face of covid outbreaks. Other reports say college football is in “chaos” over game forfeits due to the pandemic, and the potential impact of omicron surges on the championship.
Testing Begins Of Vaccine Against Aggressive Breast Cancer
In other news, the fallout from the conviction of a U.S. researcher for Chinese university ties continues; the contentious decisions facing the Food and Drug Administration; the near future of Alzheimer’s drug maker Biogen; and jurors taking time off in the Elizabeth Holmes trial.
Body Positivity Website Tries To Reduce Stress Of Medical Weigh-Ins
Free “Don’t Weigh Me” cards are being distributed by More-Love.org. Among other health industry news, a group of surgeons is suing UnitedHealth and Aetna, Envision is facing a lawsuit over its role in California EDs, and an apparent cyberattack took down Maryland’s Health Department, including its covid data.
Biden Expresses Regret Over Not Escalating Testing Program Months Ago
As his administration tries to work out the logistics of buying and distributing enough covid tests to help combat the winter surge, President Joe Biden admits that they should have made the move sooner. He also touched on how his personal health could impact his 2024 campaign plans.
Biden’s Vaccine Mandates To Get Special Supreme Court Hearing On January 7
In an unusual action, the Supreme Court scheduled the out-of-session hearing in response to an emergency request to sort through conflicting lower court rulings on federal vaccine requirements that impact millions of health workers and private employers.
Chicago, Boston, DC Get Vax Passport Rules; Utah Wants To Ban Them
In Chicago and Boston, proof of vaccination will be needed to access indoor spaces like gyms and restaurants. In D.C., people older than 12 will have to show a covid card to enter many businesses. But Utah lawmakers introduced bills aimed at banning “discrimination” over vax status.
WHO Says Booster Shots May Slow Pandemic, But Omicron May Hasten It
CNBC reports on critical opinions from the World Health Organization over booster programs, which may slow the end of the pandemic as poorer nations struggle with initial vaccine rollouts. But a different report says omicron covid, now sweeping the world, could actually speed the end of covid.
Just Days Aboard, Cruise Disrupted After Rapid Covid Outbreak
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship was denied entry in Curacao and Aruba after at least 55 fully vaccinated crew members and passengers contracted covid after just a few days at sea. Other reports on the virus’ spread come from Illinois and Texas.
More Research Points To Less-Severe Covid Cases From Omicron
Though the virus is highly transmissible, separate research groups in South Africa, England and Scotland — places where the omicron variant quickly took hold — have each found that infections are less severe than delta. But the sheer number of people who are likely to catch the virus may increase hospitalization stats.
Expert: Against Omicron, Most Cloth Masks Are Just ‘Fashion Accessories’
It’s time to upgrade your mask if you’re using just a cloth covering because they don’t have to meet any kind of health standard, says Trish Greenhalgh, professor of primary health care services at the University of Oxford. “They can be really good or really terrible,” depending on what fabric is used.