Latest KFF Health News Stories
Trump Moves Ahead With ‘Most Favored Nation’ Medicare Drug Plan
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Trump Absents His Administration At COVID Emergency Tipping Point
Public health officials are voicing alarm that the White House has “checked out” at the same time coronavirus cases are skyrocketing and the nation is approaching holidays that could prove to be superspreading events.
CDC Walks Back Guidance On Risks Of COVID To Kids And Schools
Two controversial documents that pushed for schools to reopen was removed from the CDC website with no public statement. The agency also posted warnings about holiday activities that could transmit the virus like drinking and caroling.
Transition Stonewall Imperils Vaccine And COVID Prep, Biden Advisers Warn
President-elect Joe Biden’s coronavirus advisers are appealing to the Trump administration to allow the transition process to proceed so that they can get the resources and intelligence needed to move forward with pandemic planning.
Team Biden Connects Early With Leading Public Health Groups
While the formal transition is stalled by the Trump administration, President-elect Joe Biden and his team are reaching out to governors and public health leaders while continuing to announce the people who will next staff the White House.
State Restrictions Tighten — Even In Some With Republican Governors
Also, Dr. Anthony Fauci calls for a national approach. Media outlets report on news from Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Oregon, New Jersey, North and South Dakota and more.
The Final Results Are In: Pfizer Vaccine Is 95% Effective
The company said it will seek emergency authorization “within days.” If approved, Pfizer would likely make history for having the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
For Pfizer And Moderna, The Hard Part Isn’t Over Yet
Manufacturing enough COVID-19 vaccines, distributing them and storing them are among the major concerns for vaccine makers in the months ahead.
First At-Home COVID Testing Kit Approved By FDA
The FDA granted emergency-use authorization for Lucira Health’s nasal swab test for people over 14. The kit provides results within 30 minutes on the self-collected sample.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Government-Funded Scientists Laid the Groundwork for Billion-Dollar Vaccines
Drugmakers will walk away with massive profits, but much of the pioneering work on mRNA vaccines was done with government money.
Push Is On in US to Figure Out South Asians’ High Heart Risks
While there’s growing momentum to understand South Asians’ high propensity for cardiovascular disease, researchers stress culturally tailored prevention.
Anger After North Dakota Governor Asks COVID-Positive Health Staff to Stay on Job
Doctors and nurses say order puts lives in danger, amid a COVID surge and a statewide shortage of health care workers.
Lo que los doctores no aprenden: a detectar el racismo en la atención médica
Cuando la raza interviene en los cálculos médicos, puede conducir a tratamientos menos eficaces y perpetuar las desigualdades basadas en la raza.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Emergency FDA Approvals; Why Tell People To Defy Public Health Cautions?
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and other public health issues.
Largest Virginia School System Pauses Reopening Plans
In other news from the state, Arlington National Cemetery said Monday that it is canceling the annual “Wreaths Across America” event because of COVID-19. News is also from New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Washington state and more states.
Viral Video From Russia Suggests COVID Toll May Be Worse Than Reported
Other global COVID developments are reported from Greece, England and the World Health Organization.
Editorial writers focus on these public health topics and others.
Researchers Identify A Dominant Disease-Causing Strain In Genome Study
Research on COVID looks at lower survival rates from cardiac arrest and damages to the cardiovascular system, as well.
Marijuana Finds Fewer Roadblocks
On Monday, New Mexico’s state medical cannabis advisory board voted in favor of nearly doubling the patient purchase limit. In other public health news: seasonal affective disorder, what to do about Thanksgiving and more.