Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Omicron’s Push Intensifies, Health Officials Fear Wave Of Cases In January
The pace of covid cases identified with the omicron variant jumped sevenfold in a single week, according to the CDC, and public health officials warn that hospitals that are already overwhelmed with delta cases in some states could become swamped.
Omicron Cases Prompt Cornell To Close Campus; Schools Brace For More Infections
As winter covid cases increase among college students, administrators are scrambling to respond with booster shot mandates and other mitigation measures. At Cornell University, 903 covid infections were reported between Dec. 7-13 — many of which were confirmed to be the omicron variant.
800,000 Lost. And US Covid Deaths Marching Toward 1 Million.
As Americans families gather around holiday tables this season, more than 800,000 will be missing due to the covid pandemic — 163,000 of which could likely have been avoided with vaccinations, an analysis estimates. Health experts forecast that the U.S. will hit 1,000,000 deaths — and more quickly than previously expected at the latest rate of hospitalization.
Affordable Care Act Marketplace Enrollment Ends Today For Jan. 1 Start
Adjustments to health coverage or sign-ups will have to meet today’s deadline if coverage is to begin on Jan 1, 2022. Noticias Telemundo reports on efforts to enroll Latinos and, separately, Modern Healthcare covers news that 2022 is projected to be a positive year for big insurance companies.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
UK Steps Up Vaccine Efforts To Combat Omicron
News outlets report on “long lines” of people waiting outside vaccination centers in England, as part of the government’s goal to get all adults vaccinated with boosters. Soccer stadiums are being used as vaccination sites. Other news includes Moderna production in Australia and covid-linked depression.
Different Takes: Is Omicron The Next Common Cold?; Current Covid Vaccine Production Needs New Model
Opinion writers delve into these covid and vaccine issues.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Cutting US Vehicle Emissions Saved Thousands Of Lives: Study
Researches from Harvard University examined the impact of declining vehicle emissions over a decade, concluding that thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars were saved. Separately, a recall of ham and pepperoni products over listeria worries jumped to 2.3 million pounds of meat.
Oregon Plans To Skirt Covering Drugs Like Aduhelm Under Medicaid
Oregon is seeking a way to avoid having to pay for drugs (like Aduhelm) approved through a fast-track route. In other news, the first seasonal flu death of a child in Mississippi is reported, and thousands remain without heat and water in Kentucky after the tornados.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hit Song Actually Saved Lives
As “1-800-273-8255” hit the charts, studies show the Lifeline received more calls and suicides decreased. Other mental health matters in the news include an unarmed crisis response pilot program in Minneapolis, and a plea for more mental health support for students in Cincinnati.
Senate Throws Out House’s Plans To Eliminate Some Hospital Funding
The Senate’s bill to fund President Joe Biden’s social spending package does not include cuts in Medicaid funding for hospitals that treat large numbers of low-income and uninsured patients in states that haven’t expanded their Medicaid program. The House’s bill reduced that funding because it noted the legislation would provide insurance to people who would have qualified for the expansion. Meanwhile, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the chairman of the Finance Committee, asks Medicare to reduce its planned premium increase.
Six Former FDA Commissioners Endorse Biden Nominee Califf
Meanwhile, an international coalition of pharma regulators is recommending expanding the use of remote pharma plant inspections. Also: Global Blood Therapeutics’ experimental sickle-cell drug has promising results, as does Bellus Health’s chronic cough treatment.
US Topped 50 Million Confirmed Covid Cases Monday
The total is more than the population of Spain. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, said covid vaccines spelled the “end of the medical emergency,” and he won’t issue a statewide mask mandate. Separately, the 800,000-plus Americans who’ve died from covid so far will be honored at the Capitol.
Air Force First To Discharge Service Members For Refusing Covid Shots
Twenty-seven Air Force active duty personnel have been involuntarily discharged for breaking a covid vaccine mandate. Meanwhile, the NFL is now demanding coaches and team staff also get covid shots. In Houston, the Texas Children’s Hospital is aiming at vaccinating 5,000 people this Friday.
FDA Assessing Risk To Pregnancies From Merck’s Covid Pill
Molnupiravir was supported by a Food and Drug Administration expert panel two weeks ago, but regulators are still concerned of DNA mutation risks during pregnancy. And in concerning news from China, a study says 10% of covid patients may have had incubation periods longer than 14 days.
Supreme Court Refuses To Stop Vaccine Mandate For NY Health Workers
Health workers challenged the state covid vaccination requirement because it does not accommodate religious exemptions. As they have done in a previous case, the Supreme Court justices denied the emergency appeal to halt the mandate.
Indoor Mask Requirement Returns In California Over Omicron Fears
California joins New York in bringing back inside face covering rules, as more localities reinstitute covid mitigation strategies. Elsewhere, Philadelphia will require that proof of vaccination to eat inside at restaurants.
Some Hospitals, Watching Lower Court Decisions, Drop Staff Vaccine Mandates
After a federal court temporarily halted an administration requirement that all hospital workers be vaccinated, some hospitals struggling to retain enough nurses, technicians and even janitors are dropping plans to implement the mandate. Meanwhile, hospitals in the Northeast and Midwest report high numbers of covid patients.