Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Covid Is Still Surging And Winter Is Coming

Morning Briefing

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.

Spending Package Pushes Nursing Homes To Boost Staff Numbers

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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

Morning Briefing

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.

Rights Groups Press U.S. For Waiver To Get Vaccine To Third World Nations

Morning Briefing

President Joe Biden reversed the previous U.S. position to endorse a waiver in May, but there has been little progress since then. European allies, however, remain opposed. Meanwhile, public health officials here continue to see a need for more access to at-home covid tests.

Every Adult In US Now Eligible To Get A Booster Shot

Morning Briefing

Federal health agencies authorized the additional covid vaccine half dose for all who are 18 or older. The recommendations say those 50 or older “should” get a booster, whereas younger adults “may” get one.

Covid Surging Nationally As 2021 Covid Death Count Passes All Of Last Year

Morning Briefing

Though there are a few weeks to go in 2021, the Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. death total for this year is already higher than last year’s. Cases are up 20% and there are worries the figures will rise higher with this week’s Thanksgiving gatherings.

Everyone In Austria Must Get A Covid Shot

Morning Briefing

The lockdown is the first in Europe since the spring. And the vaccine for-all mandate is the first on the continent. A fast-spreading delta variant in the U.K., partial lockdowns in Germany and Greece, syringe exports from India and more are also in the news.