Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: Tackling The Health Worker Shortage; Benefits Of Paid Family Leave
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Biogen’s Top Scientist Unexpectedly Quits
Stat reports that Al Sandrock’s departure from the Alzheimer’s drug-maker is a “surprise.” Sandrock oversaw all research and development and was the “face” of the Aduhelm effort. Meanwhile, the CEO of Emory Healthcare is stepping down.
Nursing Home Covid Outbreak Kills 8 In Connecticut
89 residents and staff in the Geer Village Senior Community have tested positive in the last seven weeks. Meanwhile, food workers in South Dakota and Amazon in California settle disputes over covid outbreaks, prevention and notification.
Pfizer OKs Covid Pill Production, Cheap Price In Low-Income Nations
Pfizer has announced its antiviral pill can be made and sold inexpensively in 95 poorer nations, where about half the world lives. Separately, Moderna is reported near to a pledge to produce more vaccines for the international COVAX effort.
Poll: 72% Say Cops Are The Wrong Responders For Mental Health Crises
The Ipsos poll was made on behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In other news, Ohio sues Facebook-owner Meta over misleading the public on how it affects kids and a flu outbreak in the University of Michigan prompts a CDC investigation.
If You Have Covid, There’s a 50-50 Chance Your Symptoms Will Linger
Scientists have found that “long covid” may be a problem for at least 50% of people who’ve had the virus. Meanwhile, a National Institutes of Health study on the impacts of covid on children and young adults begins.
Another Person Seems To Have Beaten HIV With Their Own Immune System
News outlets cover hopeful news that a second patient may have overcome an HIV infection “naturally,” boosting hope for a future cure for the virus. Other research links depression to heart health risks, plus more frequent ER visits during covid.
FDA Pushes For More Covid Testing
The Food and Drug Administration revamped its policies in order, it says, to increase the volume of at-home and point-of-care diagnostic tests. In other news, Dr. Anthony Fauci, age 80, says he won’t retire until covid is licked. And Moderna makes an offer in its vaccine patent dispute with the National Institutes of Health.
Trial Of Three Biggest Opioid Distributors Begins
The state of Washington seeks $95 billion from McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen. In a separate case, pharmacy chains including CVS and Walgreens argue they were not to blame for the U.S. opioid epidemic.
Troubling Signs Point To Covid Advancing Among Unvaccinated
Even in highly vaccinated New England, covid cases are on the rise among unvaccinated residents. The key metric of hospitalizations is also increasing. In Texas, 28 hospitals are out intensive care beds; Michigan hospitalizations spike. The trendlines are even more concerning as Americans prepare to gather for the holidays.
Push For Vaccine Mandates From Big Labor Unions
Three big labor groups push for vaccine mandates that go beyond what President Joe Biden is advancing.
Call To Arms Against Vaccine Misinformation ‘Superspreaders’
The Aspen Institute calls for new regulations on social media platforms, stronger, more consistent rules for misinformation purveyors and new investments in authoritative journalism and organizations that teach critical thinking and media literacy.
More States Open Booster Shot Access To All Adults
Add Arkansas, West Virginia and New York City to the list of areas that aren’t waiting for federal regulatory approval to allow all residents 18 or older to get a covid vaccine booster. New Jersey’s governor says his state will likely widen eligibility too.
First Edition: November 16, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Hearing Aids Postpone Cognitive Decline; Health Networks Useful To Halt Violence
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Brazil Beats US In Full-Vaccination; UK Expands Boosters To Over 40s
Though President Jair Bolsonaro has decried vaccines, over 60% of Brazil’s population is now fully immunized — the U.S.’s figure remains at 59%. Meanwhile, in Portugal 98% of eligible people are vaccinated.
Different Takes: Covid’s Negative Impact On Mental Health; What Is The Holdup On Booster Approval?
Opinion writers tackle these covid related topics.
UK Study Finds It’s Safe To Co-Administer Flu And Covid Shots
The study involved 679 adults across the U.K. and found it was safe to co-administer the two vaccines — potentially freeing up health provider time and effort. Separately, a study linked higher risk of covid infection to non-white races.
North Carolina Seeing Rising Need For Mental Health Beds
Meanwhile, in Georgia, lawmakers are moving as a bipartisan group to improve mental health provisions in the state in the wake of the pandemic, trying to lift Georgia from 48th place on the Mental Health America ranking. L.A., Houston, Florida and live music are also in the news.
Kaiser Permanente Averts Worker Strike In Union Deal
An alliance of unions representing about 50,000 Kaiser Permanente staff agreed to a call off a strike after reaching a deal. Trustee investments, liens, Illinois’ troubled health program and the nursing staff shortage are also in the news.