Latest KFF Health News Stories
Federal Appeals Court Allows Texas Abortion Law To Stay In Effect
In the latest legal move in the dispute over Texas’ ban on most abortions, the Justice Department’s efforts to suspend the law were denied in a 2-1 ruling by a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel. The case is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.
Robert Califf Floated As Leading Candidate To Helm FDA: Reports
Sources tell multiple news outlets that President Joe Biden is considering Dr. Robert Califf to fill the top Food and Drug Administration job, but also say no final decision in the contentious search has been reached. The permanent appointment has been vacant for 10 months and Interim Commissioner Janet Woodcock’s term expires in November.
American Red Cross Blames Worst Blood Shortage Since 2015 On Covid
The organization said it was now facing an “emergency blood and platelet shortage,” worsened as blood donor turnout reached the lowest levels of the year. Separately, New Orleans Emergency Medical Services has launched a new system to have blood in ambulances to treat traumatic injuries faster.
Sailors Who Don’t Get A Covid Shot Will Face Serious Consequences
The Navy said Thursday that those who don’t get an approved exemption by the deadline “will receive no lower than a general discharge under honorable conditions” and that “this type of discharge could result in the loss of some veterans’ benefits.” The Navy said it may also seek recoupment of bonuses and the cost of training and education.
White House Moves Pandemic Tracking Data Control Back To CDC
The move to shift tracking data away from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was a controversial one, and was made under the Trump administration. News outlets also report on covid in children, with worries that more kids are falling ill, and some may act as “reservoirs” for variants.
FDA Will Review Merck’s Covid Treatment Pill, But Not Just Yet
News outlets report on the Food and Drug Administration’s plans for reviewing Merck’s experimental oral antiviral treatment for covid, which won’t happen until Nov. 30. The Philadelphia Inquirer, meanwhile, covers questions over the “unknown” risk of DNA mutations from the drug.
FDA Vaccine Advisers Support Moderna Half-Dose Booster For Many
A covid vaccine booster is appropriate for people over 65 and those with jobs or health conditions that put them at high risk, the Food and Drug Administration’s advisory panel unanimously recommended Thursday. The members continue to meet today to discuss a possible Johnson & Johnson second shot.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Will Covid Pill Embolden Vaccine Resistance?; Investigating The Wuhan Lab Leak Theory
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Viewpoints: Should Abortion Pills Be Preordered?; Congress Could Legalize Marijuana With MORE Act
Editorial writers examine the following public health topics.
Research Roundup: Covid In Infants, Schools And Republican-Led States
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Connecticut Stuck With 200,000 Reusable Cloth Masks
They’re left over from a donation of 2 million masks from the makers of Hanes underwear, and the state is finding it difficult to sell them. Toxic smoke in California, anti-heat-death measures in Los Angeles, another lead water crisis in Michigan and more are also in the news.
WHO Reveals New Committee To Probe Covid Origins
The new World Health Organization advisory board will have 26 scientists on it, and it’s intended they will study the origins of the disease. Separately, the WHO says 6 out of every 7 covid cases in Africa have gone undetected, meaning the impact of covid on the continent is likely much worse than had been thought.
Study Finds Pandemic Direct Care Jobs Not Appealing To Entry-Level Workers
“An immeasurably small” number of workers entered the direct care workforce in home health and nursing jobs during the pandemic, a recent study reports. Meanwhile, WMFE reports on how the shortage of doctors and nurses may be impacted by the pandemic’s influence on medical students.
Some US Blood Pressure Drugs Found With Cancer-Linked Azido Impurities
Another potentially dangerous chemical has turned up during investigations into impurities in blood pressure pills: Azido impurities are linked to DNA damage and potential cancer risks. In other news, Apple is investigating how its AirPods headphones could be used as a health sensor device.
Oxytocin Therapy Found Not To Have Benefits For Children With Autism
AP reports on the largest study of its kind into the effect the “sociability” hormone oxytocin has on children with autism. Meanwhile, researchers say microRNAs found in blood may be a warning for dementia. USA Today reports on how cold therapy can help breast cancer patients keep their hair.
Social Security Checks To Rise 5.9% Next Year To Match High Cost Of Living
It’s the biggest upwards “adjustment” to the benefits controlled by the Social Security Administration in 40 years, as the cost of living in the U.S. is rising. Comparing options in open enrollment in Medicare, and Georgians struggling to afford medical care are also reported by media outlets.
Family Leave, Medicare Remain Divisive Issues In Dems’ Spending Talks
Democrats trying to reduce the proposed spending package are at odds over which programs to give up, and key health measures are on the chopping block.
‘Abortion Pills’ Available Online For Texans And Others, But Few Realize It
Though people in other states have several websites to choose from, Texans can visit Aid Access, a website that provides the pills for $105 or less based on income, The Atlantic reports.
Fatal Drug Overdoses Spiked 30% In First 12 Months Of Pandemic
Provisional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that 96,779 Americans died from drug overdoses during the 12-month period ending in March 2021. All but three states reported increases. Other news on the national opioid crisis covers injection sites, Purdue Pharma and more.