Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Cancer, Cataracts, Synthetic Tissue, Abortion And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
For All New Zealanders Younger Than 15, Smoking Will Never Be Allowed
New Zealand is planning to lift the legal age of tobacco purchasing year by year, so for people aged 14 and younger when the law goes into effect smoking will be forever banned. Meanwhile among other news, the U.K. tightens covid rules, and China “clamps down” on vasectomies.
Different Takes: World Must Unite In Covid Fight; Elderly At Risk From Omicron
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
California Positions To Be Abortion ‘Sanctuary’ In Face Of Roe Threats
News outlets cover moves by abortion providers, political leaders to make California a “sanctuary” for people seeking abortion, including financial and logistical support. Meanwhile, Ohio passes a “born alive” anti-abortion bill. Vox reports on why adoption isn’t a replacement for abortion.
Department Of Justice Says Iowa’s Lack Of Disabled Services Violates ADA
The DOJ’s “strong condemnation” of the state comes after a year-long investigation into provision of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis preterm births are linked to “heavy” policing, and reports say Wisconsin lacks therapists.
Nonprofit City Of Hope Buying Cancer Treatment Centers Of America
The deal is said to be worth $390 million. Stat notes City of Hope helped develop synthetic insulin and cancer drugs, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America has been criticized for aggressive marketing. Centene, Memorial Sloan Kettering and other health industry names are also in the news.
Allergan To Pay $200M To Settle With New York Over Opioid Crisis
The state’s attorney general announced the settlement yesterday. Allergan had been an opioid manufacturer and faced allegations that it helped fuel the opioid crisis. Meanwhile, the defense rests its case in the Elizabeth Holmes trial. Plus Aduhelm, gene therapy and asthma drugs are in the news.
Instagram Pressured By Senators Over Negative Impact On Youngsters
News outlets cover the appearance of Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri before a Senate panel investigating risks of social media harms for younger users, including questions over self-regulation and calls for multi-platform solutions. Other mental health matters are also in the news.
Pfizer Boosters For Older Teens Advances In FDA Review Process
The Food and Drug Administration determined that additional study by an advisory committee would not be required in reviewing a third Pfizer covid shot for those aged 16 and 17. News outlets report on other developments related to youth vaccines.
Unvaxxed Criticized For Creating Domino Effect Of Illness, Death
“The unvaccinated are … risking the lives of others who may die of preventable diseases who can’t get their needed health care,” said Dr. Marschall Runge, dean of the University of Michigan Medical School. As if to prove his point, new research finds that 703 deaths at nursing homes over a 10-week period this summer would’ve been prevented had more workers been vaccinated.
Senate Votes To Gut Biden’s Workplace Vaccine Mandate
The Senate also reportedly issued a rebuke over President Joe Biden’s covid shot mandate, amid controversies over federal overreach. Vaccine mandates and some associated legal matters are also reported from New York City, Los Angeles, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Two Weeks After Thanksgiving, Covid Cases Are Surging Across The US
In better news, the U.S. reached a milestone Wednesday: 200 million Americans are now fully vaxxed.
Scientists Discover Why Covid Is Worse For Those Who Are Overweight, Obese
Researchers have found that the coronavirus infects both fat cells and certain immune cells within body fat, prompting a damaging defensive response in the body, The New York Times writes. The findings could lead to new covid treatments that target body fat.
Maine, New Hampshire Call National Guard To Covid-Strained Hospitals
The Boston Globe says the National Guard is being called in to help at hospitals and long-term care facilities facing high volumes of covid cases. In Maine, care may have to be rationed for the first time, and Wisconsin’s top health official calls for federal help in the face of staffing shortages.
Pfizer CEO Raises Possibility Of Fourth Shot To Combat Omicron
“When we see real-world data, will determine if the omicron is well covered by the third dose and for how long. And the second point, I think we will need a fourth dose,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC. Pfizer is researching the efficacy of its booster and original vaccine course against the omicron covid variant.
So Far, ‘The Disease Is Mild’ In Most US Omicron Cases: CDC Chief
In an interview with the AP, Dr. Rochelle Walensky provided details on the more than 40 known omicron cases in the U.S. Most were in vaccinated patients who only showed mild symptoms like cough, congestion and fatigue. Only one person has been hospitalized.
FDA Approves AstraZeneca’s Covid Antibody Drug For Vulnerable Patients
The two-dose antibody drugs are the first intended for long-term prevention against covid infection, rather than a short-term treatment for people with compromised immune systems.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.