Latest KFF Health News Stories
Oh My! Lions, Tigers And Bears Get Covid Shots
Those animals and others have received an experimental animal vaccine at the Oakland Zoo. The Denver Zoo has also received the shots and will soon begin vaccinating several gorillas and lions.
Biden Says Vaccine Campaign Will Go Door-To-Door As Urgency Spikes
The quick spread of the delta variant in the U.S. is making the push to quickly vaccinate remaining Americans critical. The Biden administration is switching its focus to community outreach, but news outlets report on the difficult obstacles in reaching holdouts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Pope Francis Had Intestinal Surgery, Now Recovering In Hospital
The pope was treated for symptomatic stenotic diverticulitis and had half his colon removed. Separately, the delta covid variant is surging in poorer nations; India has a fake vaccine scandal; and Singapore advises less exercise after covid vaccines.
Perspectives: Vaccine Lotteries Not Increasing Numbers; FDA Approval Will Decrease Vaccine Hesitancy
Opinion writers examine these Covid and vaccine topics.
Viewpoints: Galleri Cancer Detection Test Shows Potential; Steps To Prevent The Next Pandemic
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Pacific Northwest Heat Wave Swamped Local Health Care Services
The Wall Street Journal reports on how hospitals and medical staff in a part of the country not used to extreme high temperatures were overwhelmed last week. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a heat alert for Las Vegas.
England To Lift Covid Restrictions July 19, With A Surge Expected After
Amid a surge of delta covid cases across the U.K., particularly in Scotland, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said almost all of England’s pandemic limits will be lifted soon. Reports suggest a surge of over 100,000 new covid infections per day is then expected.
Losing Wisdom Teeth Improves Taste; Eating A Southern Diet May Kill You
Researchers find that having your wisdom teeth removed can improve your ability to detect key flavors later in life. Meanwhile, a long-term study of the Southern diet links it to increased risk of death from sudden cardiac arrest.
Health Warnings Issued For Outbreaks Of Listeria, Tick Bites, Fecal Bacteria
Tyson Foods has recalled about 8.5 million pounds of frozen chicken over listeria fears. Meanwhile, the tick population has climbed 15% since last year, and many beaches in Texas and Washington have recorded high levels of fecal bacteria. Got the heebie-jeebies yet?
Insurers And Providers Brace For Tricky Fallout From Surprise Billing Law
As the Biden administration begins to implement new protections for consumers, the health industry prepares for the changes that will have a big impact on bills for services like childbirth care and ambulance rides.
Judge: Private Insurance Firm In W.Va. Must Cover Transgender Health Care
Also in the news: sickle-cell patients, health care worker burnout, rural ambulance services, teletherapy and more.
Excitement Over New Migraine Drug; Cost Concerns Over One For Obesity
Fox News reports on “paradigm shift” excitement over a new drug, rimegepant, that blocks migraine attacks. NPR notes that an effective new obesity drug, Wegovy, is raising questions over whether insurers will cover its over $1,000 monthly cost.
Fauci Highlights Vaccines’ Role In Preventing June Covid Deaths
Speaking to news outlets, Dr. Anthony Fauci noted 99% of “avoidable” covid deaths last month were among unvaccinated people. He also said people should still wear masks even if vaccinated when visiting places with low vaccination rates.
In Lancet Report, Two Dozen Experts Say There’s No Proof Of Covid Lab Leak
“We believe the strongest clue from new, credible and peer-reviewed evidence in the scientific literature is that the virus evolved in nature,” the authors wrote in the journal. The same team of scientists had last year dismissed the lab leak idea as a conspiracy theory.
‘Most Patriotic Thing You Can Do’ Is Get Vaccinated, Biden Says On July 4th
“Think about how far we’ve come, from silent streets to crowded parade routes waving American flags,” President Joe Biden said while touting progress against the virus during an Independence Day speech, but warned Americans that covid is not yet “vanquished.”
Missouri In Need Of Ventilators As Covid Hospitalizations Jump About 27%
The Show-Me State leads the nation with the most new cases per capita in the past 14 days.
Arkansas Nears 40% Fully Vaccinated But Suffers Covid Spike
Over 1 million in Arkansas are fully vaccinated, but on Monday the state, which is one of the most vaccine-hesitant, reported a spike in new cases over the weekend. Oklahoma’s youth vaccines, mandatory shots for the army, and more are also in the news.
Pfizer Covid Shot’s Effectiveness Falls To 64% In Israel
In timing that coincides with the growing spread of the delta variant, Israel’s health ministry reports more cases of covid infections and symptomatic illness in vaccinated people. The shot is still seen to be 93% percent effective in preventing hospitalizations and serious illness.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.