Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

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.

Johnson & Johnson Reveals Its Drug-Development Plans

Morning Briefing

J&J’s overhaul will see it tackling conditions like lung cancer, eye disease, RSV and more. A top company scientist said J&J expects multi-billion-dollar income from new drugs by 2025. Separately, CVS will close 900 stores across the U.S.

Black Americans More Likely To Die From Treatable Health Conditions

Morning Briefing

A new report from the Commonwealth Fund sees wide racial disparities in treatments leading to higher rates of death among Black people. The return of head lice, more problems with a sleep apnea device and that wasn’t deadly smallpox in those vials in the Pennsylvania lab.

People In Need Will Be Able To Text New Suicide Prevention Hotline

Morning Briefing

The FCC voted to include text messaging into the technology driving the 988 number which will arrive next year. The long wait to see a therapist, covid-related surges in helpline calls, pandemic-era mental health of Black Americans and more are also reported.

Fauci: ‘Go Get Boosted’

Morning Briefing

Dr. Anthony Fauci recommends boosters for all adults although many states are already allowing it and urging it. Also, a new debate is emerging: is there a new definition for “fully vaccinated”?

Vaccinations Among Hospital Employees Stalled

Morning Briefing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 70% of hospital health care workers are vaccinated against covid. The percentage is highest among those working in children’s hospitals and as low as 65% at hospitals in non–metropolitan urban counties. Also, more news on vaccine mandates.

FDA Approves Both Moderna, Pfizer Booster Shots For All Adults

Morning Briefing

The Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots of the two mRNA covid vaccines approved in the U.S. for all adults 18 or older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must still give its OK. In other vaccine news, news outlets report on efforts to free-up intellectual property rights.

Top Scientist Says Covid Came From Animals At Wuhan Market, Not Lab

Morning Briefing

Dr. Michael Worobey, from the University of Arizona, is an expert in tracing viral evolution. In a paper published in Science, he contends the World Health Organization’s inquiry into the pandemic origin is wrong, and covid did not come from a lab.