Latest KFF Health News Stories
Without Moderna, African Researchers Nearly Copy Its Vaccine
Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines, from Cape Town, has nearly built a copy of Moderna’s mRNA covid vaccine after Moderna refused a partnership request. Separate reports say Africa’s covid vaccine effort needs an extra $1.29 billion in funding to boost the rollout to more people.
Probe Launched Into Hacking Breach Of UnitedHealthcare
Rhode Island’s attorney general is seeking information about UnitedHealthcare’s role in safeguarding employees’ private data. The company is also in the news for a class-action lawsuit over an alleged failure to manage $7 billion in retirement funds.
Former Pfizer Staff Accused Of Medicine Trade Secret Theft
The pair of former employees, now being sued by the company, are accused of stealing secrets related to obesity and diabetes medicines. In other news, poor sales of its new Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm have led to Biogen forecasting a weak financial year for 2022.
Worrying Infectious HIV Strain Found In The Netherlands
Though the strain may have been circulating for a few decades, the report identifying the strain says existing HIV meds work just as well against it. Separately, the University of Texas Health Science Center is seeking volunteers to take part in an mRNA-based HIV vaccine.
Biden’s Science Adviser Slams Critics Who Scoffed At Cancer ‘Moonshot’
In an interview with STAT, White House adviser Eric Lander argued that the new plan is “audacious” even though it doesn’t mention cancer “cures” and doesn’t ask for new research money.
Jabs For Kids Ages 5-11 Slow Way Down
The seven-day average that ended Jan. 28 marked the slowest period since the government approved covid shots for that age group on Nov. 2, Bloomberg said. Just 31% have received the vaccine.
Iowa Governor Says Public Health Emergency Is ‘No Longer Feasible’
The move by Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, will limit the release of data about rates of vaccination and covid spread. Also, the Army is planning a court-martial for a junior officer for failing to follow rules on covid-19, and Los Angeles County is preparing to loosen its covid-prevention restrictions.
Number Of New Covid Cases Plummeting
New daily cases have fallen by almost 50% in the past two weeks, CIDRAP reports. Meanwhile, hospitalizations have fallen 16% from a Jan. 20 high, according to HHS data.
White House Launches $19M Grants To Boost Residencies
The move is part of an effort to address physician shortages, particularly in underserved and rural communities. Meanwhile, with U.S. hospitals facing staff shortages due to the pandemic, there’s a recruitment drive to attract foreign health care workers.
People With Medicare Can Now Get Free Covid Tests
This is the first time Medicare has covered an over-the-counter test at no cost to recipients, AP reported. In other testing news, some health experts say the free tests being mailed from the federal government might be affected by the freezing weather hitting many parts of the nation.
15-Week Abortion Ban Advanced In Arizona
AP reports on moves by Arizona Republicans to push a ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. And in New Hampshire, the Senate voted to reject limitations on the state’s 24-week abortion ban. But in South Dakota, a House committee declined to consider a near-total ban proposed by the governor.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Covid; Diabetes; Alzheimer’s; Mental Health; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Opinion writers tackle these covid and covid related issues.
Viewpoints: Can Mark Cuban Fix Drug Cost Issue?; Biden’s Plan To Halve Cancer Death Rate
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
New ARPA-H Medical Research Agency Will Exist Outside Of NIH
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, designed to boost breakthrough medical tech, will instead be a distinct unit inside the Department of Health and Human Services. In other news, the cost effectiveness of the first injectable HIV-preventive is called into question.
Mississippi Legalizes Medical Marijuana
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed the law Wednesday, immediately allowing legal use of medical marijuana for people with debilitating conditions, though it will be a while before legal dispensaries open. Separately, a federal appeals court reinstated part of Tennessee’s strict abortion ban.
Melinda French Gates Alters How She Will Give Away Billions To Charities
The philanthropist says she’s no longer pledging to give away her fortune through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will instead spread it among other charities, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has championed the eradication of polio and malaria, Alzheimer’s research and many other global health causes.
Insurers Pay Net Bills For Telehealth; Data Show Racial Differences In Use
White adults, new federal data show, are more likely to use video telehealth services than audio ones. Use is also higher among white people, young adults and people earning over $100,000. Meanwhile, some systems are beginning to pay for internet access to boost the reach of telehealth to more users.
TSA Argues Against Accommodating People With Disabilities In Screening
A Politico piece explains the TSA’s stance in a lawsuit over its “unaccommodating” screening policy when it comes to people who can’t comply due to their disabilities. Meanwhile, reports say life for about 1 in 5 people with long-term disabilities won’t return to normal when the pandemic ends.