Latest KFF Health News Stories
North Korea’s Leader Hints At ‘Grave’ Covid Crisis
North Korea’s leader previously denied there was any covid in the country. Separately, China’s Sinovac vaccine is effective in kids as young as 3, Australia struggles with AstraZeneca vaccine rules, and the U.K. is confident it can beat delta covid.
Viewpoints: Burnout Has Health Consequences; Mental Health Conservatorships Due For Change
Editorial pages tackle these various public health issues.
Northwest Heat Wave Prompts Hundreds Of ER Visits, 60 Deaths
The Oregonian reports on a farmworker’s death attributed simply to “heat,” and CNN covers ER visits and deaths in several Northwest states. In other news, excessive screen time linked to preteen obesity, and the future of cat allergy treatments is explained.
Marijuana Laws Change, But Exactly How Depends On Your State
From yesterday, people in New Mexico can possess and grow recreational marijuana, but confusion reigns in Virginia over what’s exactly legal after July 1. Meanwhile the first medical marijuana dispensary is set to open Thursday in South Dakota.
Walmart Launches Own Line Of Insulin
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: FDA Officials Explain Why They Approved Alzheimer’s Drug
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Poll Says Most Doctors Disapprove Of Alzheimer’s Drug Approval
The poll by Stat and Medscape also shows that nearly two thirds of doctors surveyed thought Biogen’s Aduhelm trial data was unclear about benefits. Stat also reports on how Biogen used a “back channel” to gain the drug’s approval at the FDA.
Hackers Hit Las Vegas Hospital, Stealing And Sharing Personal Data
The hacker group posted proof of the breach at University Medical Center by sharing images of people’s drivers licenses and more. In other news, a new report says Georgia skipped infection-control inspections of hospitals during the pandemic.
At least one Utah hospital has had to delay a surgical procedure as a critical blood shortage hits hospitals across the United States. Health experts warn that the shortage could affect the treatment of burn patients during the July Fourth weekend.
Hospitals Lobby Against Proposed Medicare Cuts In Infrastructure Bill
Hospitals were already disappointed to not get new funding out of the infrastructure deal. The industry also objects to measures included to pay for the $1.2 trillion package — such as additional Medicare reimbursement reductions and clawing back unspent covid relief funds. Meanwhile, the White House touts the benefits of the legislation.
Most Unemployed Qualify For Deep ACA Subsidies Starting This Week
The Biden Administration announced the new benefit on 2021 federal Affordable Care Act plans starting July 1, as part of the pandemic relief package passed this spring. Meanwhile, the White House considers other changes to the health law.
Supreme Court Leaves CDC’s Eviction Ban In Place For Final Month
In a divided 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court justices rejected an emergency request from landlords and realtors to lift the federal eviction moratorium. Other developments related to the pandemic’s economic toll is also in the day’s news.
Fauci Warns Of ‘Two Americas’ — One That’s Protected, One That’s At Risk
The infectious-disease expert says he is “very concerned” about the wide disparities in the vaccine rate in certain states, cities and counties. Meanwhile, first lady Jill Biden travels to Phoenix today to encourage more people to get the jab.
New Covid Vaccine Promotion Ads Include Tuskegee Relatives
Separately, Ohio’s Medicaid beneficiaries are less likely to get covid vaccines; a study shows the healthiest U.S. communities tend to be less keen to vaccinate; and Colorado and Oklahoma try using phone calls and texts to boost vaccine uptake.
Moderna Says Its Vaccine Holds Up Against Delta Variant In Lab
In a study conducted by Moderna, blood samples from fully vaccinated people produced antibodies against multiple covid strains — including the delta variant that is surging around the globe.
MIT, Harvard Develop Face Mask That Can Detect Covid
The innovation relies on tiny disposable sensors fitted inside masks, and potentially into clothing like lab coats. Meanwhile, a study links higher grade masks with lower covid infection risks, and doctors call for mass use of these “FFP3” high grade versions.
No Masks + Few Vaccinations = More Than 80 Covid Cases At Illinois Camp
All summer campers and staff at the Crossing Camp were old enough to be eligible for vaccination, although the Illinois Department of Public Health said it knew of “only a handful of campers and staff” who got the covid shot.
Mask-Wearing Debates Re-Energized As Delta Covid Surges
News outlets cover conflicting discussions, warnings, recommendations in different states as worries rise over the surge in delta variant covid. The Guardian, meanwhile, covers former President Donald Trump’s contempt for his administration’s covid task force.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Delta Covid Cases Rise In The UK, But Full Unlocking Is Still Set For July 19
The delta variant is spreading in the U.K., causing the daily infection rate to hit highs not seen since January, but officials have signaled a full unlock is still “very likely.” In other news, worries grow about European summer travel as vaccine passports start to play a role.