Latest KFF Health News Stories
MRNA Boosters May Give Longer-Lasting Protection Than 2 Shots
A new small-scale study hints at promising longer-term results for Pfizer’s and Moderna’s covid booster shots compared to just two doses. Separately, studies of an experimental chewing gum show it reduces covid viral loads in saliva, with potentially preventive effects.
Industry Bumping Up Nurses’ Salaries Amid Staffing Shortage
An analysis reported in the Wall Street Journal noted average annual salaries for registered nurses, not including bonuses, grew about 4% in the first nine months of 2021. UF Health Jacksonville, GSK and Arrowhead, Cleveland Clinic, AthenaHealth and more are also in the news.
Troubled California Virus Testing Lab Won’t Face Sanctions
The California Department of Health’s investigation found deficiencies at the Valencia Branch Laboratory, but not serious enough to warrant sanctioning the virus testing facility. Separately, criminal charges were dropped in a case about covid deaths in a Massachusetts nursing home.
Longer-Term Data Finds Pfizer Vaccine 100% Effective In Adolescents
Pfizer announced findings from its late-stage study that shows its covid vaccine provides strong protection for kids aged 12 to 15 over the four months after the second shot.
Trump’s FDA Chief Called By House Committee For Questioning
Former Food and Drug Agency Commissioner Stephen Hahn was asked to submit to questions from a select panel investigating the U.S. response to the pandemic and whether the Trump White House interfered with federal agencies’ work. Meanwhile, some critics are complaining that the House should go back to in-person voting instead of letting members vote by proxy.
90% Of Federal Workers Have Met Biden’s Mandate To Get Vaccinated
The White House says the high response shows the government will not be disrupted by outbreaks this holiday season, but the response rate likely varies by location and federal agency.
White House To Distribute $1.5 Billion To Help Ease Health Worker Shortage
Vice President Kamala Harris announced the funding that will go to federal programs that provide scholarships or student loan repayments for nurses and other health care workers.
US Will Not Revert To Lockdowns, White House Covid Adviser Says
Jeff Zients, the Biden administration’s covid response coordinator, told reporters that despite European moves to lock down again to stop the spread of the virus, officials here believe vaccines, medicines and other strategies can be more effective. “We can curb the spread of the virus without having to in any way shut down our economy,” he said.
Supreme Court’s Slow Review Of Texas Abortion Law Prolongs Limbo
News outlets report on the situation in Texas for abortion providers and women seeking abortions as the Supreme Court fails yet to issue a ruling on the state’s restrictive abortion law. Separately, studies show the pandemic has held back progress in other infant vaccinations.
Covid Is Still Surging And Winter Is Coming
News outlets report on a surge among New Jersey school-age kids; a worry in Iowa over surging covid and a spike in flu cases; Pennsylvania’s problem tracking breakthrough cases; cautious “good signs” from California; and another case in the L.A. Charger team.
First Edition: November 23, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Making Vaccine Distribution Equitable; Lessons Learned For The Next Pandemic
Opinion writers examine these covid and vaccine topics.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Spending Package Pushes Nursing Homes To Boost Staff Numbers
Modern Healthcare reports on details of the $1.75 trillion spending package stating the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must issue regulations on “appropriate” minimum staffing ratios. Aging care costs are discussed in a Health News Florida report.
To Battle Shortages, Maryland Lets Nursing Students Hit Hospitals Early
Students set to graduate Dec. 23 can leave early and put their knowledge to work to help fight a nursing staff shortage. Face masks in Michigan, monoclonal antibodies in Tampa Bay, a federal grant for Rhode Island and more are also in the news.
UK To Offer Booster Shots To All Aged Over 40
Despite high infection levels, the U.K.’s health minister said there’s no need to implement strong restrictions to prevent covid spreading. Meanwhile, across Europe unrest breaks out at lockdowns and restrictions.
More Americans Say They’ll Likely Remain Child-Free
44% of non-parents between 18 and 49 said they’re unlikely to ever have kids, a big jump from 2018’s 37% figure. Reports note the U.S. birth rate has declined for six years. In other news, the Washington Post says Facebook allegedly knew about racial bias in its algorithms.
Britain Alleges Medical Device Racial-Bias Is A Global Matter
Britain will conduct a review into whether medical devices perpetuate race and gender biases, and Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the issue was “systemic.” Research news on covid, other medical issues and innovations are also in the news.
Biden’s Doctors Declare He Is ‘Healthy, Vigorous’ And Fit For Duty
The president underwent a physical on Friday. His doctors say he is fine but noted that he has arthritis in his spine, some feet problems and gastroesophageal reflux that causes frequent coughing.
All Eyes Look To Senate Now After House Approves Massive Spending Bill
Among the many provisions in the $1.7 trillion funding are major expansions of health programs, including home health care, paid family leave, hearing coverage for Medicare beneficiaries and some drug pricing reforms. But the bill is likely destined for changes in the Senate.