Latest KFF Health News Stories
Judge Says NYC Must Reinstate Workers Fired Over Vaccine Mandate
Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, officials are offering jobs back to roughly 50 state employees who were fired or quit over the covid vaccine mandate. Other news on vaccines covers boosters, shots for kids, inhalable vaccines, and more.
Few US Labs Able To Test For Ebola Strain Breaking Out In Uganda
A CDC spokesperson says the agency is quickly ramping up the number of labs authorized to test for Sudan Ebolavirus, a strain that is driving the outbreak in Uganda and that international health officials worry could spread. As of Tuesday, 22 labs in the U.S. can conduct tests.
Researchers Say A Dramatic Covid Winter Surge May Not Happen
The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation says it’s unlikely that there will be the dramatic spikes in covid hospitalizations and deaths seen in the first two winters of the pandemic. Separately, Walgreens will offer free delivery of covid treatment Paxlovid in underserved communities.
Abortion, Covid Shots At Heart Of Midterm Debates
In a debate with Democratic Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz said he opposed federal abortion bans. In the New York governor debate, abortion and crime were key discussion points. Elsewhere, fentanyl “candy” conspiracies and confidence in science were in the news.
Alito Discusses Court Legitimacy, Safety After Abortion Decision Leak
In the wake of his majority opinion going prematurely public in the controversial case that overturned Roe v. Wade, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says that panel members became “targets for assassination.” He also waded into the debate over whether the legitimacy of the court is at risk.
Lawsuit Expands To Challenge All Of ACA’s Preventive Care Coverage
Plaintiffs in Kelley v. Becerra filed a motion asking U.S. District Court Judge Reed O’Connor to set aside all requirements under the Affordable Care Act that force insurers to fully cover preventive care like cancer screenings. O’Connor previously ruled in their favor when the cases challenged HIV preventive medication.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Scientists Find Genetic Links To Dyslexia
Media outlets cover what’s said to be the largest genetic study of dyslexia ever made, which has uncovered 42 genetic variants linked to dyslexia and established a link between it and ambidexterity. Other research news includes positive impacts from video gaming on kids’ brains.
Junk Food Maker Money Tied To Academy Of Nutrition And Dietetics
The Academy has serious influence on the public’s eating habits, The Washington Post says, but also notes freshly-released documents reveal financial ties to big food companies that produce junk food. Also in the news, dietary impacts on the planet, rising deadly fungal infections, and more.
Viewpoints: Are Cancer Tests Worth The Cost?; Worries Over Concussions In Youngest Football Players
Editorial writers discuss cancer screening, concussions, covid, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Juul Looks At Investor Bailout After FDA’s Sales Ban Effort
The e-cigarette maker is trying to stave off bankruptcy, the Wall Street Journal reports, by talking with major investors about bailout money in the wake of legal battles over sales bans of its vaping products. Also: Abbott Nutrition, online prescribing, a dry shampoo recall, and more.
Some JPMorgan Chase Employees Can Get Medical Care Right There At Work
Modern Healthcare reports on a pilot program that will allow more than 20,000 Chase employees in the Columbus, Ohio, area to visit advanced primary care centers at three offices staffed by providers from Seattle-based Vera Whole Health and Central Ohio Primary Care of Westerville. In other news, Philips and Cerebral announce layoffs.
Abortion Access In Question In Several State Elections
The Hill reports on how some state elections will influence whether abortion remains legal. In California, a ballot question on protecting abortion rights drives debate over what fetal “viability” really means. Other reproductive health news is from Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina.
Feel Sick After Your Covid Vaccine? That’s A Good Sign, Study Finds
New research has linked side effects to a greater antibody response. And in other news, a preprint study that has not yet been peer-reviewed found that the new bivalent booster is no better against BA.4 and BA.5 than the original monovalent vaccine.
Covid Symptoms To Watch Out For Now: Runny Nose, Headache, Cough, Sore Throat
The predominant symptoms of covid have shifted since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers say. The virus now most commonly manifests itself with a sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, and headache. Vaccinated and unvaccinated patients are experiencing similar signs, though they may rank differently between groups.
Hospitals On Edge As Details Emerge In Shooting That Killed 2 Medical Workers
Other facilities in the Dallas area have increased security measures following the deadly shooting at Methodist Health Center. The two victims were identified as a nurse and a patient case manager.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: US Unprepared For Next Pandemic; Nursing Shortage At Dangerous Levels
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues and more.
Overhaul Of Weight Loss Surgery Rules May Broaden Eligibility
Surgical standards haven’t been updated in over 30 years, USA Today reports, and are said to be out of step with growing U.S. obesity levels. Updated standards could increase the number of people eligible for bariatric surgery. Among other news: transplant surgery, schizophrenia gene links, and more.
Cluster Of Candida Auris Superbug Reported In Kids In Las Vegas Hospital
Infections of Candida auris, a drug-resistant superbug, were reported in three infants with heart defects at a Las Vegas hospital in May. The Las Vegas Review-Journal says it’s the first U.S. cluster of pediatric cases of the fungus. Other news is on Medicaid expansion, prisoner health monitoring, and more.
