Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Labs Hunt For Omicron, CDC Director Says US Better Prepared
The CDC’s Dr. Rochelle Walensky noted we have “far more tools” to battle a covid variant than last year. Separately, Dr. Anthony Fauci said it was likely current vaccines would still offer some protection. Meanwhile, testing labs are hunting for signs of omicron’s arrival.
Even Before Omicron Arrives, Covid Surges Again
Arkansas say its biggest one-day jump in covid cases since September (possibly from delayed testing after Thanksgiving), Indiana is seeing a surge and Vermont’s hospitalizations are at a record high. Meanwhile, Amazon is accused of underreporting its covid infection figures.
Federal Vaccine Mandates Hit With Two More Legal Setbacks
The covid vaccination requirement that all health workers at facilities that get CMS funding is now on hold nationally. And in a separate case, a judge granted a preliminary injunction against the rule mandating the shot for all federal contractors. That case impacts Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.
First Edition: December 1, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers delve into these covid topics.
UK Steps Up Booster Program; China And India Will Vaccinate Africa
In the face of the new omicron variant, the U.K. government has extended its vaccine booster program to everyone 18 and up. Also, Germany may lock down the unvaccinated, Greece will fine unvaccinated people over 60, and hundreds of millions of shots will go to Africa from India and China.
Viewpoints: Tackling The Rural Doctor Shortage; Collective Intelligence Can Eliminate Medical Bias
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Self-Replicating Robots Created From Frog Bits
Scientists presented studies on the impacts of covid including damage to the brain and central nervous system and covid reinfections, but more attention was focused on scientists who say they created self-replicating robots from the heart and skin stem cells of frogs.
Medicare Patients See General Practitioners Like Private Insurance Holders
A new study says Medicaid recipients were as likely as those with private health insurance to have seen a general practitioner in 2019. In other industry news, a jury said United Healthcare underpaid TeamHealth for emergency services and a South Korean maker of monoclonal antibodies to treat covid signs deals with nine European countries.
Boosters Less Likely Among LA’s Poor; Oregon Pays Pharmacies To Give Shots
Poorer neighborhoods in Los Angeles county are found to have a much lower percentage of booster shots than other areas. Meanwhile, in Oregon the Health Authority is trying to incentivize the vaccine program by offering to pay pharmacies $35 for each covid shot given.
High Court Heard Medicare Formula Arguments
The Supreme Court heard arguments about the Health and Human Services Department implementation of the formula for disproportionate share hospital calculations, determined by measuring the number of inpatient hospital days for which a patient is entitled to Medicare Part A and supplemental security income benefits. And another Republican attack on Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Toxic Fumes From Gas Drilling Sites Spur Worry In Texas
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a case of novel H1 flu in Oklahoma, the second novel case of the season. Faux erectile dysfunction drugs, McDonald’s, Dallas Cowboy’s head coach and service dogs helping vets are also in the news.
Abortion Rights Question Returns To Supreme Court
Justices will hear arguments Wednesday about a Mississippi abortion law that could overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade case.
WHO Warns Omicron A ‘Very High Risk’ As Infections Spread
New outlets cover new omicron covid cases detected around the world, with Canada now up to five cases. In South Africa doctors are urging caution against panic: The new variant was first detected there, and kids under 2 are now 10% of hospital admissions in the epicenter.
Biden’s Health Worker Vax Mandate Blocked In 10 States
Thousands of unvaccinated health workers would have been covered by the White House’s covid shot mandate, but in 10 states they are now at least temporarily unaffected after a federal judge’s ruling. Meanwhile, the Pentagon says Oklahoma National Guards must get shots.
Pfizer To Seek OK For Boosters For 16- And 17-Year-Olds
Pfizer and partner BioNTech are expected to seek emergency approval for a booster shot of their covid vaccine for younger people, which would be the first approved for those under 18. The FDA is expected to respond next week to the request.
‘Concern’ Not ‘Panic’ Over Omicron, Biden Advises
News outlets cover President Joe Biden’s remarks over the new covid variant, and his application of a travel ban to buy time against omicron. Officials step up surveillance efforts to spot omicron in new cases, and in New York City, mask-wearing is now recommended again.
CDC Now Advises All Adults To Get A Covid Booster
The difference one word and one variant make: Previous guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said all in the U.S. 18 or older “may” get an additional covid vaccine shot 6 months after their initial doses. Now, with the threat of omicron, the agency is recommending that all “should” get one. News outlets explore other potential impact from the virus variant’s emergence.
First Edition: November 30, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: History Of Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric; Some Kids Will Only Get Vaccine If Mandated
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.