Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
New York City Raises Alarm About More Cases In Orthodox Jewish Communities
Media outlets report on news from New York, Maine, District of Columbia, Virginia, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin and more.
Can Kids Trick-Or-Treat Safely? CDC Says They Should Stay Home.
Now for something really scary. “Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses,” the CDC says in just-released guidance that recommends avoiding traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Meanwhile, families try to figure out how to celebrate Thanksgiving during a pandemic.
Drone Delivery Of COVID Tests Tried
Nine months into the pandemic, we’re still talking about faster delivery of coronavirus tests; now it’s drones.
Colleges Helped To Spread COVID
Just what you’d think would happen, bringing college kids back to campus helped to refuel the spread of the coronavirus, a study says.
Study: N95 Face Masks Can Be Sterilized Simply
As shortages of N95 face masks persist, a study finds used ones can be sterilized with ultraviolet-C light. Another study finds 70% of Chinese-made N95s fail.
House OKs Bill To Halt Antitrust Immunity For Insurers, But Passage Unlikely
Similar bills have been considered in recent years, but none came to fruition. Also: Sam’s Club will offer telehealth subscriptions; Amazon expands virtual health care for employees; and more.
Johnson & Johnson First To Enter Final Trial Stage For A Single-Dose Vaccine
Four COVID-19 experimental vaccines are now in Phase 3 of clinical trial testing, but Johnson & Johnson’s candidate is the only one that could be delivered in one shot instead of two.
Lawmakers Call For Investigation Of Pentagon’s Reported Diversion Of Coronavirus Relief Funds
The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon chose to use money Congress allocated to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus” to defense contractors for things like body armor and dress uniforms.