Latest KFF Health News Stories
Kids Will Likely Be At The Back Of The Vaccine Line
With no clinical trials underway, a COVID-19 vaccine for children is unlikely before the fall of 2021. Other news stories report the latest on vaccine development by Sanofi, Merck and AstraZeneca.
Trump Refuses To Pledge To Peaceful Transition Of Power If He Loses Election
“Get rid of the ballots, and you’ll have a very — we’ll have a very peaceful, there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There’ll be a continuation,” President Donald Trump said of the uptick in mail-in voting due to the pandemic. “The ballots are out of control.”
As Voter Safety And Politics Clash, Fight Over Mail-In Voting Ramps Up
The latest developments include: a ProPublica and WRAL News analysis that finds black voters in North Carolina are more than twice as likely to have their mail-in ballot rejected; how Ohio made voting decisions; a pending court ruling in Montana; and record early voting in Virginia.
Feds Cracking Down On Hospitals That Don’t Report Daily COVID Data
The draft guidance is expected to be sent to hospitals this week. The government also wants hospitals to provide daily information on flu cases.
Health Agency Heads Field Heated Questions On Vaccines, Independence Of Scientists
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, NIH infectious disease chief Anthony Fauci and CDC Director Robert Redfield testified on the state of the coronavirus pandemic before a Senate panel Wednesday.
Fauci Chides Paul For Distorting Facts On Herd Immunity
“I challenge that. You were not listening to what the director of the CDC said, that in New York, it’s about 22 percent. If you believe 22 percent is herd immunity, I believe you’re alone in that.” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease specialist, told Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) during the Senate hearing. The two men have clashed before, but Wednesday’s exchange was particularly pointed.
More Contagious Viral Strain Dominates COVID Cases In Houston-Based Study
Nearly all of the samples taken in the more recent months of the pandemic for the largest U.S. genetic study of the virus that causes COVID-19 contained a mutation that makes it easier to transmit, though not deadlier.
Trump Threatens To Nix FDA Proposal For Stricter Vaccine Standards
“That has to be approved by the White House. We may or may not approve it. That sounds like a political move,” President Donald Trump said about a draft FDA plan to apply tougher safety and efficacy requirements for emergency use approval of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Pediatricians ‘Sounding The Alarm’ After Children’s Health Care Takes Dive
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found that vaccinations, screening for childhood diseases, visits to the dentist and mental health care dropped from March through May, when many doctors’ offices were closed. Still, CMS administrator Seema Verma said the absence of health care services “may have lifelong consequences for these vulnerable children.”
California Expands Privacy Protection to Public Health Workers Amid Threats
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded a confidential address program to public health officials in the wake of ongoing threats made against them tied to pandemic safety precautions such as masks and stay-at-home orders.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
These Secret Safety Panels Will Pick the COVID Vaccine Winners
Data and safety monitoring boards work under a cloak of secrecy meant to prevent undue influence by stakeholders, such as companies or the government. In the Trump era, some worry the anonymity could actually invite it.
As Fires and Floods Wreak Havoc on Health, New Climate Center Seeks Solutions
The climate change center at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health plans to study and help implement policies for slowing climate change and adapting to it.
A Fair to Remember: County Fairs Weigh Risk of Outbreak Against Financial Ruin
The threat of COVID-19 forced many county fairs to cancel this year. But some rural communities that depend on the annual economic and cultural boost decided to go ahead despite a pattern of outbreaks.
How Families Are Keeping Halloween From Turning Into a COVID Nightmare
Parents are turning to spooky scavenger hunts, pumpkin-carving and movie nights as alternatives to trick-or-treating. Health professionals have their own advice on how to safely celebrate Halloween during the pandemic.
Editorial writers focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Different Takes: Health Care Is On The Line Again; Sizzle Won’t Sell The Vaccine
Editorial writers express views on these public health topics and others.
Pharma Execs Balked At Trump Administration’s Plan To Send $100 Cash Cards To Seniors
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Patients Can’t Make Health Care Decisions Without Knowing How Much Everything Costs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
COVID-Sniffing Dogs Will Scan Travelers At Finland Airport
News reports are also from England, Italy, and Japan.