Latest KFF Health News Content

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Facebook, Twitter Pull Trump Video For Spreading Bad COVID Information

Morning Briefing

President Donald Trump’s post linked to a Fox News interview in which he claims kids are “virtually immune” to the coronavirus. Facebook said that the “video includes false claims that a group of people is immune from COVID-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful COVID misinformation.”

Birx Tells Local Officials In 9 Cities To ‘Get On Top’ Of Virus Surge Risk

Morning Briefing

Task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx cites coronavirus numbers ticking up in 9 cities and California’s Central Valley as areas for concern. Meanwhile, comments by Dr. Anthony Fauci and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro also make headlines.

America’s Obesity Epidemic Threatens Effectiveness of Any COVID Vaccine

KFF Health News Original

Vaccines engineered to protect the public from influenza, hepatitis B, tetanus and rabies are less effective for obese people, leaving them more vulnerable to serious illness. As scientists race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, experts say obesity could prove an impediment — a sobering prospect for a nation in which nearly half of all adults are obese.

With Caveats, Hopeful News for Preschools Planning Young Kids’ Return

KFF Health News Original

Hundreds of thousands of essential workers have kept their kids in day care during the pandemic out of necessity and, so far, these centers haven’t been big disease spreaders. But the evidence remains incomplete.

Relief Funds Flowed To Nursing Home Providers Accused Of Fraud, Misdeeds

Morning Briefing

A Washington Post analysis of coronavirus relief money distribution finds that hundreds of millions of dollars went to dozens of nursing home companies that settled recent lawsuits with the Justice Department over alleged improper Medicare billing, forged documents, substandard care and other abuses.

Embattled New York City Health Chief Resigns

Morning Briefing

Oxiris Barbot had been relegated to a near-invisible status after a feud with Mayor Bill de Blasio. In other news: Dr. Leon McDougle is appointed president of the National Medical Association; home health care workers say their struggles have been overlooked during the pandemic.

Marijuana’s Health Benefits Questioned

Morning Briefing

The Food and Drug Administration moves closer to establishing regulations for cannabidiol; The American Heart Association says any cannabis product is not good for the circulatory system.