Latest KFF Health News Stories
US Land Borders Reopen In November — But Only For Fully-Vaxxed Travelers
The country’s land borders to Mexico and Canada have been mostly closed to international non-essential visits since March 2020, but that will change next month. Travelers will have to be fully vaccinated, however. The exact date for the reopening is yet to be decided.
Daily Aspirin No Longer Advised To Guard Against Heart Attack, Stroke
Draft guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against people over 60 taking a low-dose or baby aspirin daily. The panel urges all to check with their doctor before stopping, as some — especially younger age groups — may still benefit from an aspirin regimen.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Having The Flu Sends More Non-White Kids To The Hospital
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the flu is more deadly as a child in America if you are Black, Hispanic or Native American. Meanwhile, reports show that the frequent moves of military postings lead military teens to have higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Report Says UK’s Official Covid Responses Killed Thousands Of People
A parliamentary report into the U.K.’s early responses to the pandemic says delaying lockdowns and not prioritizing social care led to thousands of avoidable deaths. Meanwhile, as Russia’s Vladimir Putin coughs his way through a televised meeting, he insists it’s just a cold, not covid.
Viewpoints: Searching For Origins Of Covid-19; Pathways For Psilocybin Rescheduling
Editorial pages weigh in on these public health issues.
Anesthesiologists Say UnitedHealth Unfairly Canceling Contracts
According to Modern Healthcare, the American Society of Anesthesiologists says the insurer is canceling contracts at least six months ahead of time, leaving anesthesiologists out of network and paid a fraction of the rates they once received, the group’s president says. The group wants the Justice Department to investigate.
Study Lays Blame For Around 100,000 US Yearly Deaths On Phthalates
Meanwhile, a study hints a generic drug used to treat hypertension and heart failure may also help prevent brain damage in Alzheimer’s sufferers. Separately, patient backlash over tobacco company Philip Morris’ purchase of asthma drugmaker Vectura in the U.K. may hurt sales.
Parents Sue Wisconsin School Districts After Their Children Get Covid
In two separate lawsuits, the parents say their school districts failed to protect their children by refusing to implement covid mitigation strategies recommended by the CDC.
With Several Drugs In The Pipeline, Covid Treatments Set To Improve
News outlets report on Merck’s covid antiviral pill, monoclonal antibody treatments from AstraZeneca and other efforts by drugmakers to combat the pandemic. Also in the news: boosters may complicate efforts to persuade vax-hesitant people; nursing home vaccine rates; approving booster shots; and more.
Unions Allowed To Call Strike For Over 20,000 Kaiser Permanente Staff
Members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals voted 96% to move forward with a strike. News outlets report on other worker and strike matters in health care systems across the country.
Texas Governor Orders Ban On Covid Vaccine Mandates, Even For Private Businesses
With his executive order Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, reversed his previous position that employers should have the choice to require employees to be vaccinated for covid.
In Washington and North Carolina, Health Worker Vax Rates Reach 90%
But Michigan Medicine still hasn’t worked out how to negotiate a covid vaccine mandate for its staff. In Los Angeles, LAUSD has had to extend the deadline for its vaccine mandate until Nov. 15. And CNN reports on worries mandates will deepen a staffing crisis in Memphis, Missouri.
Justice Department Wants Federal Appeals Court To Block Texas Abortion Law
The Biden administration argues that the law — that bans most abortions — is unconstitutional due to its enforcement provisions. “If Texas’s scheme is permissible, no constitutional right is safe from state-sanctioned sabotage of this kind,” the Justice Department wrote. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans say the feds have no legal standing in the case.
Supreme Court To Hear Kentucky Attorney General’s Case To Defend State Abortion Law
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, declines to defend a state law banning a common abortion procedure used in the second-trimester — which has been blocked as unconstitutional in court. Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron wants the Supreme Court justices to allow him to do so.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine topics.
Editorial pages delve into these public health issues.
Facing Lawmaker Pressure, Facebook Plans Changes To Protect Young Users
Politico reports on Facebook’s meek response after congressional pressure last week, with upcoming protections for Instagram that include content blocking and encouraging breaks. Meanwhile, reports say depression and anxieties have risen globally by over 25% during 2020.
Pandemic Stress Prompts 1.4 Million Texans To Sign Up For Obamacare
In other news, California schools will provide free menstrual products under a new law, Tennessee prisons now have a suicide prevention hotline and more.