Latest KFF Health News Stories
Troubled Baltimore Vaccine Plant Gets Approval To Reopen
Federal officials gave Emergent BioSolutions a green light to resume production of the Johnson & Johnson covid-19 vaccine, officials announced Thursday. The plant had been shut down after critical production problems were discovered three months ago. Also, doctors are weary of the excuses from those who are hesitant to get a vaccine. And states face expiring vaccines.
Next On Schumer’s Agenda: Giant Budget Bill With New Health Spending
Now that senators have a bipartisan agreement on traditional infrastructure spending, Democrats are planning to press ahead on a $3.5 trillion framework to implement President Joe Biden’s agenda for human infrastructure spending, which includes a variety of health initiatives.
Federal Workers Must Get Shot Or Comply To Weekly Testing, Masks
The strict requirement released by President Joe Biden Thursday applies to an estimated 4 million federal employees, as well as millions more contractors. Political fallout and potential legal pushback is expected, but the White House hopes to set an example for local governments and private businesses as covid cases again surge. Biden said at the event: “If in fact you are unvaccinated, you present a problem — to yourself, to your family, and to those with whom you work. . . . You want to know how we put this virus behind us? I’ll tell you how. We need to get more people vaccinated.”
Pentagon Weighs Covid Vaccine Requirements For Military
The new vaccine rule for federal workers announced by President Joe Biden does not apply to U.S. military personnel. But he did order Defense Department leaders and medical staff to kickstart a review of a potential mandate.
Remember Last Summer’s Dangerous Covid Surge? We’re There Again
The numbers of U.S. covid infections and hospitalizations are approaching the same levels as they were a year ago. But new research finds that the dangers are vastly uneven for the vaccinated vs. the unvaccinated: almost 95% of the people dying did not get the shot.
Do You Need To Mask Up? Yes, In Almost 70% Of US Counties, CDC Says
Also in masking news: U.S. Capitol Police are ordered to enforce a new masking mandate, House Republican lawmakers protest that new masking mandate, the District of Columbia and Smithsonian museums require masks indoors and more from across the nation — including from the Florida and Texas governors.
In Reversal, NC To Urge All Students, Teachers To Mask, Even If Vaccinated
Kentucky, Oregon and D.C.-area schools announce masking plans for the new school year, while the mask-school debate continues to unfold across the nation. And summer camps experience covid outbreaks.
CDC Report Warns ‘War Has Changed’ Due To Highly Contagious Delta
How contagious? The delta variant can be transmitted as easily as chickenpox or measles, including by vaccinated people, according to the internal document obtained by news outlets. The report also notes that delta cases can be more severe in unvaccinated patients. Confirming the report, Dr. Rochelle Walensky told CNN: “It’s one of the most transmissible viruses.”
Watchdog Suggests Medicare Advantage Customers Underserved At End Of Life
A Government Accountability Office report finds that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in their last year of life were more than twice as likely to drop their policies and enroll in traditional Medicare than other Medicare Advantage enrollees. Other Medicare news covers chronic care, racial coverage gaps and provider pay hikes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: NFL Adjusting its Vaccine Rules; What If We Can’t Convince The Vaccine-Hesitant?
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid, vaccine and masking issues.
Editorial writers examine these public health concerns.
Research Roundup: Psychology Of Teenagers; UTIs; Drug Compounders
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Covid Knocks US Pole Vaulter Out Of Olympics; Tokyo’s Surge Continues
Sam Kendricks, considered a medal contender, tested positive for coronavirus and is no longer eligible to compete. Separately, reports show Tokyo’s infection surge is continuing with a third record-level day, worrying Olympic officials. News outlets also discuss Simone Biles’ withdrawal.
Vaccinated American, EU Visitors No Longer Need Quarantine In England
The change is effective from Aug. 2, and was announced yesterday. Separately, reports show that though the U.K.’s covid case rate is falling, scientists don’t know why. Covid in Burundi, Uruguay, Canada, Australia and China, plus a rare case of fetus-in-fetu in Israel are also in the news.
Lowest Share Of Americans In Poverty Ever, Thanks To Covid Aid
The New York Times reports poverty levels in the U.S. have nearly been cut in half versus pre-pandemic levels, thanks to temporary expansions of the safety net made possible by covid aid. Evictions, ticks, overdoses, mental health support and actor Bob Odenkirk are also in the news.
Amid Covid Surge, Biden Will Keep Border Closed To Migrants: Sources
The White House had been expected to begin allowing migrant families to start seeking asylum in late July, but the delta variant has derailed those plans, Politico reports. Other immigration news is from Texas and California.
Pfizer Says Data Support Covid Booster Shots, As Efficacy Fades Over Time
Pfizer announced that its two-dose covid vaccine’s efficacy slips from 96% to 84% after six months, supporting the company’s push for a third “booster” shot. Separately, Johnson & Johnson’s covid vaccine shelf life is extended to six months from four and a half by the FDA.
Congress Asked DOD To Help Lower Drug Costs, Now It Wants Answers
Congress had asked the Department of Defense to lower the cost of medicines discovered with federal funding aid but that ultimately cost more than in other nations — now two lawmakers want to know about progress. Separately, lawmakers back an extension to spending provider relief funds.
First Biosimilar Insulin Approved By FDA, Can Swap-In For Brand Names
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first “interchangeable biosimilar” insulin drug, Semglee, allowing doctors to prescribe it and substitute it for brand-name insulin in an effort to lower costs for people with diabetes. The Aduhelm drug controversy is also back in the news.