Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Allows GSK’S Whooping Cough Vaccine In 3rd Trimester Of Pregnancy
GlaxoSmithKline’s booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is now allowed to be used later in pregnancy than before to help prevent whooping cough in young infants. Separately, as monkeypox persists, albeit at a slowing rate, scientists try to understand the role of sexual transmission.
Patients Seeking Care After Hurricane Ian Strain Hospital Systems
WUSF Public Media covers efforts of Florida’s strained care system to deal with an ongoing influx of patients long after the storm. Meanwhile, a story from AP explains how one water department official slowly lowered fluoride levels in drinking water in a Vermont town.
Twice Since Spring, University of Texas Has Run Out Of Free Narcan
It’s not clear how many students may have used the opioid overdose reversal medication, which is handed out at some of the school’s libraries. Other Texas colleges say they want to be able to provide the same service. In other health and wellness news: Amazon is accused of selling so-called suicide kits; a warning over wild mushrooms is issued; and more.
AstraZeneca’s Nasal Spray Version Of Covid Vaccine Fails Initial Human Trial
Antibody responses in respiratory mucous membranes were seen only in a minority of trial participants, in a blow to efforts to produce an easier-to-administer covid vaccine. Meanwhile, the White House says the current covid booster program is going well and is likely to garner more takers.
Cost Of Care Hits Many Americans, Even As Insured Rates Hit Highs
A Stateline report notes that many citizens have policies that only provide limited financial protection, such that many patients forgo necessary care to avoid difficult out-of-pocket costs. Meanwhile, the New York Times investigates how insurers “exploited” Medicare for billions in profits.
Gaps In Maternity Care Are Widening Across The US: Report
Stat covers an upcoming March of Dimes report that says 2% more American counties are categorized as maternity care “deserts” since the 2020 report. Problems for Centene’s expansion of Medicare Advantage, details on the CommonSpirit Health hack, and more are in the news.
American Oncology Network To Be Publicly Traded On NASDAQ
It will be the second U.S. provider of its kind to go public, following the Oncology Institute. Separately, The New York Times covers researchers’ efforts to produce anti-cancer vaccines, among other news.
Abortion Debate Prompts Doctors To Take More Active Campaign Role
Historically, physicians haven’t waded into the election fray. But as politicians reshape the medical landscape with abortion and other health laws, doctors in Pennsylvania are speaking out in key races — largely in support of the Democratic candidates. Abortion issues also make news in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and other states.
Study Casts Doubt On Effectiveness Of Colonoscopy As Cancer Screen
A 10-year clinical trial found that colonoscopies reduce colon cancer risk by only a fifth and did not significantly lower the chances of death. The results call into question the increased use of the procedure for screening purposes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into polio, baby formula, reproductive health care and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid, allergies, polio, malaria, and more.
Brain-Eating Amoeba Still Detectable In California Hot Spring
Hot Ditch is reportedly a popular destination, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, and a new test of the water quality found the same highly deadly Naegleria fowleri amoeba that killed a young boy in 2018. Medical experiments on Black inmates in Philadelphia are among other local health news.
Study Predicts Over 50% More Deaths From Liver Cancer By 2040
Analysis suggests cases of Hepatitis B and C, more alcohol usage, higher body weight, and more diabetes will be to blame. Separately, a slight drop in food poisonings from salmonella and listeria is reported, but pandemic restrictions are thought to have played a part in the fall.
Walgreens, Walmart To Start Selling OTC Hearing Aids By Oct. 17
Under new government rules, there’s no need for medical exams or prescriptions. Walgreens will sell Lexie Lumen devices for $799. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Mark Cuban’s effort to curb drug prices has won its first heath plan partner.
Medicare Director Tries To Clarify Drug Pricing Policy, Penalties
Center for Medicare Director Meena Seshamani said Thursday the law will penalize drugmakers if they raise prices on medicines for patients who have private insurance, Stat reported.
Cyberattacks On Hospitals Hit Services In Multiple States
AP reports on the impact to CommonSpirit Health’s service after what it said was an “IT security issue.” Delayed treatments and inaccessible online health data are some of the impacts. The Des Moines Register reports on how the attack affects one sub-company: MercyOne in Central Iowa.
Monkeypox Infecting Black, Hispanic Americans At Higher Rates
News outlets reporting on the matter note that the raw data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are limited but do indicate racial disparities in reported cases. A KFF report suggests rates are five times higher for Blacks than white Americans.
‘Paxlovid Rebound’ Caused By Robust Immune Response, Not A Weak One
The National Institutes of Health scientists concluded that taking a longer course of the drug — beyond the recommended five days — was not required to reduce the risk of a recurrence of symptoms as some have suggested, Reuters reports.
CDC Transitioning From Daily To Weekly Covid Cases Reporting
The agency says the move will reduce data processing burdens on local government officials. The practice is in line with federal flu reporting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also quietly dropped its recommendation that masks be worn at all times in school nurses’ offices.
