Latest KFF Health News Stories
No Motive Found In Vaccine Sabotage Case
Police says they haven’t uncovered a motive of the Wisconsin pharmacist who allegedly spoiled covid vaccines.
Half Doses Of Moderna Vaccine Considered To Speed Up Distribution
Moncef Slaoui, the head of Operation Warp Speed, said that the idea of cutting dosages has been discussed with FDA officials and Moderna. Meanwhile, disease experts and scientists debate the wisdom of deviating from tested protocols.
US Drastically Off Vaccination Target: Only 4.2M Have Received Shot So Far
The federal government aimed to inoculate 20 million Americans by the end of 2020, but distribution missteps have put the nation far behind that pace.
UK Becomes First Nation To Roll Out AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid Shots
British health officials highlighted the nation’s aggressive vaccination program as the first British residents receive the AstraZeneca shot. More news on Britain’s vaccination efforts.
Trump Thinks Covid Deaths Are Exaggerated
He’s wrong, of course. “The deaths are real deaths,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, responds.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Children’s Hospitals Are Partly to Blame as Superbugs Increasingly Attack Kids
A growing body of research shows that overuse and misuse of antibiotics in children’s hospitals is helping fuel superbugs, which typically strike frail seniors but are increasingly infecting kids. And the pandemic is making things worse.
As long as humans encroach on nature, pandemics are inevitable — making it important to concentrate resources in areas where people and wildlife are linked.
‘Last Responders’ Brace for Surge in Covid Deaths Across US
In some parts of the country, the surge in covid cases is overwhelming coroners, morgues, funeral homes and religious leaders. It has required ingenuity and even changed the rituals of honoring the dead.
Prolonged Stress Of Pandemic Fight Takes Toll On Health Workers
Many hospitals face shortages, especially as cases again surge. Deaths among health care workers also climb tragically upward — The Guardian and KHN have been tracking and find over 2,900 losses.
Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed: The Holiday Edition
The end of 2020 is finally here — whew! This week, we’re giving you double the goodies to keep you busy while KHN goes on holiday break. Today’s selections include stories on COVID, Santa Claus, Elvis, words of the year, pharmacies, dialysis, French dressing and more. See you in 2021, everyone.
Viewpoints: New Strain Tests Leadership; Lessons On Blaming Victims
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
COVID Pandemic Is Now Truly Global
The coronavirus has reached Antarctica. Other news on the virus from Peru, Taiwan–which just had its first locally transmitted case of COVID–and Mexico.
CDC: Suicide Rate Fell In US In 2019
Suicide deaths dropped by 2.1% in 2019 compared with 2018. Preliminary data shows that suicide deaths did not continue to fall this year.
Show Me Where It Hurts: New Orleans Unveils Video Chat For 911 Calls
Someone experiencing an emergency would still need to call or text 911 to use the software, which comes at no additional cost to residents. The operator then texts them a link.
Pandemic Surge Constricts Mental Health Services To Breaking Point
Hospital and medical centers have been forced to reallocate psychiatric beds to treat COVID-19 patients, diminishing options for people who need inpatient care. The fall spikes have also further ravaged nursing homes, particularly in South Dakota according to an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity.
Insurance Regulation, Hospice Reforms On End-Of-Term Docket For Congress
As the year winds down, lawmakers rush through a flurry of final work. And one bill with global reproductive health implications is dropped due to political pressure from the White House.
Stung by criticism that she violated her own Thanksgiving travel warnings by meeting her extended family in another state, the noted AIDS doctor said in an interview that she plans to retire.
Pfizer To Provide US With 100M Additional Doses By July
HHS Secretary Alex Azar says the deal assures that there will be enough COVID vaccine for all Americans “who wants it” by summer. Other news on the vaccine includes an experiment with endangered black-footed ferrets.
Walmart Sued By Government Over Opioids
The civil lawsuit against the giant retailer claims the company’s pharmacies fueled the opioid crisis by not giving its pharmacists the authority to refuse to fill prescriptions from known “pill mills.”