Latest KFF Health News Stories
McConnell Steps Up Campaign To Urge Republicans To Get Vaccinated
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell admits that he was surprised by vaccine holdouts and blames misinformation: “Clearly, we have got a job to do to try to convince reluctant Americans of all types who seem to be holding back, unconvinced that this is the right thing to do,” he told Fox Business. Meanwhile, some House Republicans are yet again fighting Capitol mask rules.
A Vaxxing In Disguise — A Missouri Trend To Dodge Social Criticism
Newsweek reports that fear of “social ostracism” is prompting some Missourians seeking covid shots to go to the appointments in disguise. Bloomberg, meanwhile, reports that some vaccination upticks are being seen in southern and central parts of the U.S. where covid is surging.
Social Media Giants Now Requiring Covid Vaccines; Twitter Shutters Offices
Google and Facebook have mandated a covid jab for all U.S. employees. Twitter has closed its San Francisco and New York offices just two weeks after reopening.
Get Shot Or Get Tested, Mask Up: Biden To Lay Down Vaccine Rules For Feds
The White House is taking pains to avoid the loaded “mandate” term. Still, President Joe Biden is expected to announce new requirements Thursday that will force unvaccinated government employees to choose: get the covid jab or undergo routine testing and wear masks and maintain social distancing at work. It’s also a policy that administration officials hope more businesses will adopt.
CDC’s Indoor Mask Rule Reversal Prompts White House To Defend Move
News outlets cover a push by Biden administration scientists to explain and defend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to re-recommend indoor mask wearing. Separately, reports explain different mask policies from the Pentagon to Pennsylvania.
Studies Link Mental Illness Diagnosis With Worse Covid Risks
Meta-analyses published in JAMA suggest that people who are diagnosed with a mental illness have a higher risk of being hospitalized or dying from covid. Reasons why include barriers to accessing care. Other research shows that for 40% of people with covid, symptoms can linger for up to six months.
CDC Now Recommends The Vaccinated Should Get Tested For Covid If Exposed
In the face of spiking delta cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broadened another area of guidance. On the heels of revised masking advice, the agency is also telling fully vaccinated Americans who come into contact with someone with covid to still get tested — even if not experiencing symptoms.
As Covid Surges In South, Florida Detects Variant First Identified In Colombia
Florida’s community transmission is ranked “high” by the CDC, possibly playing a role in the local detection of cases of a new covid variant (B.1.621) first detected in Colombia. Meanwhile, Texas’ case rate tops 10,000 daily for the first time in nearly six months, and southern hospitals are strained.
Infrastructure Bill Passes First Vote Test As Senate Accelerates Action
In a bipartisan 67-32 vote, senators advanced the $1 trillion package forward Wednesday. The key action came quickly on the heels of negotiators reaching a deal after weeks of difficult talks. While debate can begin, it’s unclear if the bill has enough support to eventually pass in the Senate or if the House will continue to link it to the $3.5 trillion budget proposal.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Affordable Care Act Has Loopholes That Can Hurt Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
Editorial writers delve into these public health concerns.
In Just One Week, Bhutan Hit Full Vaccination For 90% Of All Adults
Bhutan, with around 800,000 people, made headlines in April by giving the first covid shot to around 90% of adults in two weeks, and now it’s achieved distribution of second doses even faster. Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Russia, Mexico, Israel and the U.K. are also in the news.
Audit Says Troops Aren’t Protected From ‘Forever Chemical’ Damage
Meanwhile, studies say wildfires are increasing health risks in already polluted areas; research hints some alcohol consumption protects from heart disease; illegal weed growers are stealing water in California; delta-8 THC gains popularity and concerns lawmakers; and more.
Teachers Win $185 Million Damages For Brain Injuries From Monsanto PCBs
Three teachers won a case against Monsanto that blamed the company for brain injuries from exposure to PCB chemicals in school fluorescent lighting and caulking in walls. Separately, an acid leak in a Texas chemical plant caused two deaths and several injuries Tuesday.
Covid Hospital Visit Limits Show Benefits Of Visitors In Health Care
Stat reports on how limitations in personal hospital visits have impacted patients experiencing the “best care.” Other news outlets cover how some hospital systems are tightening visitor restrictions again as covid surges hit their area. Health disparities and Highmark Health are also in the news.
National Black Women’s Group Sues J&J Over Baby Powder Cancer Issues
The National Council of Negro Women alleges Johnson & Johnson marketed its baby powder to Black women despite knowing ingredients in the talc could cause cancer. Meanwhile, Biogen withdrew a paper on Aduhelm from medical research journal JAMA instead of making requested edits.
Deadlines Nearing For ACA Special Enrollment, COBRA Coverage
The sign-up window for COBRA insurance coverage for laid-off workers closes this week. Meanwhile there’s still time in the enrollment window to sign up for low/no-cost private coverage through the federal ACA marketplace. Also, a Kansas lawmaker suggests a fix to the “birthday rule” for insurance bills.
Biden Prepared To Issue Vaccine Mandate For All Federal Workers
CNN reports that an announcement will be issued Thursday. The policy under consideration would require all employees and contractors to attest that they have been vaccinated for covid or submit to regular testing, social distancing and masks. The order is expected to not include the U.S. military.