Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

New Yorkers With Chronic Illness After 9/11 Attacks Now Hard-Hit By COVID

Morning Briefing

Of more than 86,000 responders and survivors of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there have been more than 1,400 cases of COVID-19, with nearly 200 hospitalizations and 44 deaths, data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show.

Social Unrest Taking Toll On Black Americans’ Mental Health, Experts Say

Morning Briefing

ABC News reports that Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience “serious mental health problems” than the general population and that Black youths who are exposed to violence are 25% more likely to experience PTSD.

As Vaccine Push Speeds Ahead, Public Confidence Lags Behind

Morning Briefing

Vaccine makers and the federal government accelerated development of potential COVID-19 vaccines at an unprecedented pace. But the mixed messages about safety and politics has created hesitancy among Americans, surveys show.

Russian Data Shows Vaccine Produces Immune Response

Morning Briefing

Russian scientists published the first public data on the “Sputnik V” vaccine that purportedly shows it is safe and produces an immune response. There is no evidence on whether it prevents coronavirus infections.

Australia Expects To Get First Vaccine Batches In January

Morning Briefing

Government leaders in Australia and the United Kingdom talk about an early 2021 timeline in which those nations should receive AstraZeneca’s vaccine, viewed as a front runner in the global race.

Vaccine Rhetoric Dominates Trump, Biden Election Sparring

Morning Briefing

In a news conference Monday, President Donald Trump lashed out at vaccine confidence questions raised by his election opponents and hinted at an upcoming “surprise.” And Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden says he’d choose an effective vaccine over an election win.

Time To Prepare For Fall’s Anticipated ‘Surge 2.0,’ Experts Warn

Morning Briefing

After the last holiday weekend of summer and school reopening, public health experts warily eye coronavirus stats for an expected spike. Cases could peak a few weeks after Election Day. And a new model forecasts that the U.S. could reach 400,000 deaths by January.

Rival Vaccine Makers Band Together For Safety Pledge

Morning Briefing

Nine pharmaceutical companies are expected to sign a statement intended to reassure the public that they will not seek premature approval of COVID-19 vaccines due to pressure from the Trump administration.

With Schools Starting Online, Vaccinations Head for Recess

KFF Health News Original

Traditionally, requirements that kids undergo certain immunizations before attending school have been a critical public health tool. Health officials are scrambling to make sure children don’t fall through the cracks.