Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC Alerts States To Start Preparing For Vaccine Rollout As Soon As Late October
In an urgent letter to governors, CDC Director Robert Redfield told state officials to fast track the “massive” preparations required to set up distribution sites and plans if a coronavirus vaccine is approved.
Cities and States Look to Crack Down on ‘Less-Lethal’ Weapons Used by Police
Dozens of protesters were injured in recent protests, triggering efforts to limit or ban the use of rubber bullets and other projectiles.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
LA County Authorities Cautious Despite Declining COVID Numbers
The county, a hotbed of coronavirus infection in California, has seen a steady reduction in positive test results, new cases, hospitalizations and deaths over the past few weeks. But officials are concerned about public behavior over the Labor Day holiday weekend and wary of relaxing strictures too soon.
Older Blacks are perishing quietly, out of sight, victims of the pandemic and a lifetime of racism and its attendant adverse health effects.
Dozens of U.S. Hospitals Poised to Defy FDA’s Directive on COVID Plasma
The FDA, under pressure from the Trump administration, has authorized broader use of convalescent plasma for emergency treatment in COVID patients. But several major hospitals are resisting, saying they’ll opt instead to use the scarce resource to complete a clinical trial.
Watch: Florida Gutted Its Public Health System Ahead of Pandemic
KHN Midwest editor and correspondent Laura Ungar appeared on Spectrum News and Fox 35 Orlando to discuss cuts to Florida’s public health system that have hampered its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Oficiales de salud temen que el país no esté listo para una vacuna contra COVID-19
El camino para entregar vacunas a 330 millones de personas sigue sin estar claro para los funcionarios de salud locales que, se espera, sean los que realicen el trabajo.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Theater, Concert Time: Maryland Enters New Phase Of Recovery; Georgia Waits With ‘Caution’
Media outlets report on news from Maryland, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas and Ohio.
Global news is from Sudan, Canada, Australia and France.
Continued Chaos Around School Reopenings
New York public schools delayed opening, the teachers union there steps back from strike vote, some Alaskan schools back off from in-person plan and other news about COVID affecting learning.
8 Deaths During Hurricane Laura Caused By Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Officials Say
The victims ranged in age from 24 to 84. Officials urged Louisiana residents to place portable generators at least 20 feet away from any door or window.
Mental Health Bill Passed In California Would Cover Many More Conditions
“We need to go beyond giving insurance coverage only when someone is in crisis and going to the psych emergency room,” said Democratic state Sen. Scott Weiner, who introduced the bill.
Trump To Meet With Drugmakers This Week, Reuters Reports
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: Trump’s Plan For Prescription Drug Prices
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Children In Minority Communities More Likely To Get Infected
Hospitalization rates are also much higher than in other neighborhoods, according to The New York Times. Public health news is on long-lasting symptoms, good ventilation and crowded open spaces.
Panel: Not Enough Data To Support Plasma Therapy
A National Institutes of Health panel casts doubt on the FDA decision to push convalescent plasma therapy to treat COVID patients.
Many Questions About A COVID Vaccine Rollout
With everyone betting there will be a vaccine, questions now turn to who gets it first and how it is rolled out to the rest of us. Many experts are not optimistic it will go smoothly.
Homeland Security Held Back Info On Russian Scheme To Question Biden’s Mental Health: Report
ABC News obtained emails showing that Department of Homeland Security officials delayed distributing a warning of a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at fomenting concerns about Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s mental fitness. Other stories covers voter safety and health news from the campaign trail.