Latest KFF Health News Stories
9 Air Force Members Got Religious Exemptions For Covid Shots So Far
The Air Force is still processing 2,556 pending requests and 732 appeals. Over 3,200 exemption requests and over 440 appeals have already been rejected. Meanwhile, Hawaii is debating when to drop its strict covid travel restrictions.
Though The Pandemic Persists, J&J Paused Vax Production
The New York Times report says that though the U.S. firm is behind on delivering promised vaccine doses to poorer countries, it paused production at the only plant making usable shots and was relying on stockpiles, as well as making different vaccines for another disease.
US Nearly Past ‘Full Blown’ Phase Of Pandemic, Fauci Forecasts
Dr. Anthony Fauci tells the Financial Times that he can see an end over the coming months to covid-related precautions like masks and physical distancing, under the current trends in cases. But he cautioned that local restrictions might be needed to control future outbreaks. Hospitals are starting to see a decrease in infections.
CDC Chief Warns It’s Too Early To Drop Mask Requirements
While a growing number of states are dropping mask mandates, CDC covid data on transmission rates indicate that more than 99% of U.S. counties should keep covering up. Director Rochelle Walensky said in several interviews that “now is not the moment” to drop the precautions.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Crucial Drugs Added To Formulary Exclusion List By CVS
Modern Healthcare covers the controversial moves, with pharmacy benefit managers said to be increasingly dropping key medications from coverage lists. Separately, a small company lost regulatory approval for drugs to treat the rare Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
Different Takes: What’s The Data On Covid Shots For Kids Under 5?; Steps To End Omicron
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid topics.
Viewpoints: Boston Doctors Face Appalling New Threat; Ideas For Repairing The Nursing Shortage
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Patient Billed For Asking Mayo Clinic For Clinical Trial Info
Meanwhile, Physician Partners of America agreed to pay $3.3 million to settle allegations that they violated non-compete contract provisions; Acadia’s CEO gets a $900,000 payment to delay retirement by two months; and a federal investigation into spine surgeries.
Police Could Have Saved George Floyd, Lung Expert Testifies
Simply moving Floyd into a different position could have saved him, according to the expert’s testimony. Also, a U.S. fertilizer plant leaks chemicals into waterways; treatment plant “errors” in Austin; $403 million to help clean up leaked military fuel in Hawaii; and more.
Anti-Abortion Law Advances In Tennessee
Tennessee House Republicans decided to brand Jan. 22, the 50th anniversary of legalized abortion, as the “Day of Tears.” And in Florida, a key Republican lawmaker had tried to copy Texas’ anti-abortion law, but the plans have now been dropped.
More States Start To Lift Universal Indoor Masking Rules
Next week you won’t be required to wear masks in indoor public places in California, at least in counties without local mask orders. In Oregon, a similar law will be lifted by the end of March. Other news outlets cover mask rules as well as news in schools and elsewhere across the country.
Studies Show Covid Vaccines Benefit Pregnant Mothers And Babies
USA Today and the Salt Lake Tribune report on studies that show pregnant women with at least moderate covid-19 symptoms are at greater risk for pregnancy complications and death than those not infected or with mild symptoms. The wrongness of the term “breakthrough” is also in the news.
California Poised To Supplement Covid Paid Sick Leave
The bill would provide most California workers with up to two weeks of sick pay for covid. From mask prices to grocery prices to hospital worker salaries, news outlets examine other ways the pandemic continues to take an economic toll on the U.S.
NY Deer Infected With Omicron; Wildlife May Be Future Threat
It’s the first time the variant has been found in wild animals, The New York Times reported. Previous versions of covid were discovered in animals in at least 15 states. “The circulation of the virus in deer provides opportunities for it to adapt and evolve,” said one veterinary microbiologist. “And it’s likely to come back and haunt us in the future.”
1 In 3 Americans Expects To Get Covid Inside A Month
News outlets cover the predicted near- and distant future of the pandemic, including only 1 in 10 surveyed Americans expecting covid to be eradicated in a year, and plans to stop the next pandemic. Meanwhile, the future of epidemic tracking may be in analyzing municipal wastewater.
New Report Breaks Down Challenges Fueling Deadly US Opioid Crisis
Over 100,000 American lives were lost last year to opioid overdoses — a public health emergency that costs the nation over $1 trillion annually. Those are among the findings of a bipartisan congressional report that identifies Mexico as the “dominant source” of fentanyl and synthetic drugs, and recommends that a new cabinet-level position to tackle the entrenched problem.
HHS, CDC Might Change Method For Counting Covid Cases
Hospitals may be asked to separate the numbers of patients who go there because they have covid from those who test positive after being admitted, Politico reported. Meanwhile, covid cases are generally declining across the U.S., and the death rate may even be starting to follow that trend, too.
Missouri GOP Lawmakers Advance Plan To Financially Hamstring Medicaid Expansion
A proposed constitutional amendment passed the state Legislature budget committee that, if eventually approved by voters, would hand over the Medicaid purse strings to lawmakers — imperiling the expansion authorized by a 2020 ballot measure.
Top Science Adviser’s Resignation Shakes Up Biden Health Initiatives
Earlier in the day, it looked like Eric Lander might keep his cabinet-level job, despite a White House investigation that found “credible evidence” he mistreated and bullied his staff and colleagues. Lander’s departure could set back programs he led including President Joe Biden’s “cancer moonshot” and pandemic preparedness.