Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Patient Gets BioNTech MRNA Herpes Vaccine Candidate
Reuters reports on the first-in-human phase of a clinical trial of a vaccine designed to prevent HSV-2, the virus behind genital herpes. Separately, the World Health Organization has updated its human papillomavirus vaccine recommendations to include a 1-dose strategy.
Extreme Cold To Hit Much Of US, Triggering Health, Safety Warnings
“Wild drops in temperature,” Mashable reports, can be expected as a bomb cyclone pushes polar air down through the center of the country over the coming days. Outlets cover safety tips, an upcoming state of emergency in Georgia prompted by the weather, and how homeless people are affected.
Texas Ruling Likely To Limit Teens’ Access To Confidential Birth Control
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, likely means that youths who receive care through the Title X family planning program will no longer be allowed to do so confidentially, Fox News reported. Other news is from Iowa, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Florida, and Virginia.
FDA Approves Roche’s Monoclonal Antibody Covid Treatment
The anti-inflamatory drug, named Actemra, can be used for treating hospitalized adult patients and was previously approved in 2010 to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, researchers find a possible genetic cause for MIS-C.
End Covid Screening For Asymptomatic Patients In Hospitals: Experts
Stat reports an “influential board” of infectious disease doctors says the potential risks of covid screenings now outweigh the benefits. Other news outlets tackle omicron subvariant symptoms, the RSV-flu-covid tripledemic, and more.
Fewer Than 1 In 2 Nursing Home Residents Have Latest Covid Boosters
News outlets report on a worrying trend in covid vaccination status among nursing home residents, with only 47% of residents having had bivalent boosters as of Dec. 4. Staff at nursing homes have even lower rates: just 22%. All of this comes even as covid deaths climb, and more seniors are hospitalized for covid.
Tamiflu Being Released From National Stockpile To Help Combat Flu Surge
The Biden administration will provide stockpiled antiviral medication to states and territories that request additional supplies as flu cases ravage most of the nation. Other medical shortages also make today’s news.
‘Close,’ But Senators Not There Yet On Deal To Keep Government Open
After working late into the night, senators are set to reconvene early Thursday morning to continue hammering through amendments to the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that includes several major changes to U.S. health programs. Title 42 is at the center of much of the disputes.
Average American Life Span Falls To Shortest Mark In Decades
Federal government data shows that an American child born in 2021 could expect to live to age 76.4. That number fell by almost eight months in 2021, following an even greater drop of 1.8 years in 2020. Covid and drug overdoses largely account for the negative shifts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Paxlovid Is Most Effective Covid Remedy; DeSantis Stoking Covid Vaccine Fears
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
77 People Died ‘Without The Dignity Of A Home’ In DC This year
The Washington Post covers the grim death statistic that was reported by the District’s medical examiner, with intoxication, the cold, and homicide among the causes. Meanwhile, the Salt Lake Tribune reports that five unsheltered residents died in recent days, likely due to recent winter weather.
3M Says It Will Stop Making PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ In 2025
PFAS chemicals have been in the spotlight, the Wall Street Journal says, as concerns over their alleged health and environmental impacts grow. Separately, the Environmental Protection Agency will propose new national drinking water standards for two key PFAS chemicals by the end of 2022.
Viewpoints: Pump Act Will Help Families If Passed; End To China’s ‘Zero Covid’ Could Be Disastrous
Editorial writers examine breastfeeding rights, covid, sickle cell and more.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
White House Shares Ownership Data For All Medicare-Certified Hospitals
Stat notes the move is part of the Biden administration’s goal of improving transparency and boosting competition. The data span over 7,000 hospitals. In other news, the Wall Street Journal explains how hospitals’ drug price discounts don’t necessarily lead to lower patient bills.
Republicans Block Unanimous Consent Bid To Protect IVF, Birth Control Access
Axios reports Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican, blocked a bid to pass by unanimous consent a bill to add federal protections for birth control and IVF. Meanwhile, in San Diego, an anti-gun law was blocked — but California’s governor approved, saying the decision reflected on Texas’ anti-abortion law.
CDC Warns ‘Tripledemic’ Levels Could Stay High For Weeks, Maybe Months
A spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells Fox 5 D.C. that the agency anticipates that flu, RSV, and covid infections could remain at this high level for “several more weeks, or possibly even months.” Meanwhile, over-the-counter medications used to treat these respiratory viruses are running low.
Covid Subvariant BF.7 In Spotlight After Surge In China
CBS News focuses attention on an omicron covid subvariant virus named BF.7. The variant emerged in late 2021 but is now concerning due to being the main variant spreading in Beijing and driving a surge across China. Also in the news: covid vaccine efficiency, long covid, mask mandates, and more.
Medicaid Enrollment Nears 100 Million, But Millions May Lose Access In April
A report in Axios says the number of Americans on Medicaid could hit the 100 million mark — around 1 in 3 people — as soon as next month. But AP notes that rules in the new $1.7 trillion spending plan could see millions of enrollees who signed up during the pandemic booted off Medicaid early.
