Latest KFF Health News Stories
The Vaccine Race: Who Gets One First?; Novavax, Moderna Report Progress
The CDC proposes guidelines for who in the U.S. will have first access to a COVID-19 vaccine — once one is approved. Meanwhile, Novavax is reportedly eyeing December to apply for authorization of its vaccine candidate, while Moderna shows promising trial results in older adults.
Public Health Experts Appalled By Testing Change, Question Scientific Basis
The shifting guidance will confuse Americans and result in less testing, public health experts worry — as they also raise alarms about the scientific reasoning driving the CDC’s abrupt change. In related news, Dr. Anthony Fauci was not in the room when the deliberation happened.
White House Task Force Directed CDC To Weaken COVID Testing Guidelines
The reason behind the CDC’s sudden change to its recommendations as to who should get a coronavirus test has set off a new flap over the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Another COVID Mystery: Patients Survive Ventilator, But Linger in a Coma
Doctors are diagnosing a new stage of COVID-19 recovery: patients who take much longer than usual to regain consciousness after coming off a ventilator. And a growing number of doctors are worried some patients aren’t being given the time they need to wake up.
They Cared for Some of New York’s Most Vulnerable Communities. Then 12 Died.
Immigrant health workers help keep the U.S. health system afloat — and they’re dying of COVID-19 at high rates.
Drug Overdose Deaths Showed a One-Year Decline in 2018. But There’s More to the Story.
The statistic is accurate but experts say other factors make it difficult to say indicators to think about that make it hard to say it’s a “huge win.”
Inmigrantes y personas de minorías entre los más de 1,000 trabajadores de salud muertos por COVID
El virus ha cobrado un precio desproporcionado en las comunidades de color y entre los inmigrantes, y los trabajadores de salud no se han librado de esa tendencia.
Republican Convention, Day 2: Pomp, the Pandemic and Planned Parenthood
Tuesday night’s speakers offered positive views on President Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic. The first lady and Trump, himself, took advantage of the trappings of the White House in setting the scene.
Perspectives: USPS Crisis; Biden’s Health Plans; Physician Dispensing; And Medical Innovation
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Lessons On The FDA’s Fuddling Of Statistics; Vaccine Trials Need To Include Children
Opinion writers weigh in on these public heath issues and others.
Opinion writers weigh in on how the GOP’s convention is presenting the administration’s handling of the pandemic and other health issues.
Drugmakers Make Counteroffer On Trump’s Drug-Pricing Plan; Teva Indicted On Price-Fixing Charges
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Lawmakers Question Unusual ‘Operation Warp Speed’ Contract
By designating drug company executive Moncef Slaoui as a private contractor, he can avoid disclosing drug company investments that he accumulated as a former top executive at GlaxoSmithKline and as a partner in a large venture capital fund, Medicxi.
Two Patients In Europe Had COVID Twice
Global health developments are reported out of Guatemala, China, South Korea, Spain, England, Jamaica, Senegal and other countries.
FEMA Might Stop Paying For PPE, Other COVID Supplies, States Say
According to a top official in Vermont, FEMA officials told cities and states that they may have to use other federal programs to cover the costs of their coronavirus supplies, including protective gear for government employees and disinfection supplies for schools, the Washington Post says.
Health Experts Decry Efforts To Bar Asylum Seekers Over Fears They Spread COVID
Also, reports on two Navajo Nation sisters who worked side by side and died of COVID, mental health issues for trauma surgeons, and on people of color on the front line of the pandemic who are dying.
Only 29% Of Opioid Treatment Facilities Provide Life-Saving Drug
The FDA-approved medication buprenorphine helps reduce cravings for heroin or fentanyl. Opponents of its use say it substitutes one drug for another. Also news on vaccine trials, rural hospitals, and Google sister company selling health insurance.
COVID-Related Medical Research Findings
Ozone as a coronavirus disinfectant, antigen tests in men vs. women, flu and heart disease are among the more significant research recent findings.
Two People Killed During Demonstrations In Kenosha
Jacob Blake, the man Kenosha, Wisconsin, police shot in the back is said to be paralyzed from the waist down. In other news r ace and health, Latinos struggles in Marin County, Calif. and more.