Latest KFF Health News Stories
Abortion Issue Helps Democrat Win NY Special House Election
Reproductive rights were a campaign issue leading up to the Tuesday vote. The outcome from an evenly divided Upstate New York district was watched closely by political experts, looking for signs about how the November elections may play out.
Pfizer’s Covid Shot Shown To Be 73% Effective For The Under-5s
Vaccines for younger children began in June, and new data from the makers shows that it is proving effective at preventing covid in this age group, particularly so for babies ages 6 months to 23 months.
Data Shine Light On Hospitalization, Long Covid Risk In Adolescents
CIDRAP notes that the condition is “relatively rare” in children and teens. But the Washington Post says about 10% of this age group who were hospitalized with covid were experiencing long covid symptoms three months later. Separately, BA.5 and BA.4.6 are expanding across the U.S.
Next-Gen Covid Booster Shots Expected In September
According to reporting from NBC News and other outlets, the FDA plans to authorize boosters from both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna around Labor Day. The Washington Post also reports on how prior infections may impact booster shots.
Moderna Asks FDA To Authorize Its Updated Covid Shot
Moderna is ready, it says, to ship the new version of its vaccine in September, hence it’s seeking official authorization for the shots, which will target BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. The FDA request is based on data from a booster targeting an earlier omicron variant rather than new human trials.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: OTC Hearing Aids Will Have Unexpected Benefits; Who Is At Risk For Monkeypox?
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Different Takes: The Consequences Of Overturning Roe Are Here, And They Are Terrifying
Opinion writers discuss these abortion rights issues.
Researchers Use AI To Spot Early Parkinson’s Signs In Breath Patterns
Though the research is in early stages, it builds on work by James Parkinson, whose name is now linked to the disease. Separately, Stat reports a surprising advance made in ALS research using spinal fluid in mice. Electrical-stimulation memory boosting and kidney disease are also in the news.
Study Hints Heart Health Issues Linked To Early Brain Aging
A study reported by the Press Association connects poor cardiovascular health at age 36, among other risk factors, to a prematurely aged brain later in life. Other media outlets report on heart health news, including links between energy drink use and heart problems.
Mental Illness A Poor Red Flag For Predicting Mass Shootings: Experts
A report in the New York Times explains how mental health experts are making efforts to show the divide between a clinical mental health diagnosis and the risk of someone becoming a mass shooter. The Parkland school shooting is in the news again. Also, other mental health matters.
Data Show Hawaii Is State With Longest Life Expectancy
New data from the CDC show which states have higher or lower life expectancies: West seems best. NBC News notes that the average life expectancy fell by nearly two years in 2020, down to 77 years from almost 79 in 2019.
Polio Spread Reminds Us The Oral Vaccine Has Rare Risks
Media outlets report on how wild poliovirus is circulating because of a very rare circumstance where the disease can spread from oral vaccines that contain live versions of the disease. Reports detail the timeline of the New York case, and other polio-related news.
Amid Spate Of Closures, One Hospital In Rural Tennessee Reopens Its Doors
For now, Haywood County Memorial Hospital will offer just nine patient beds as it sorts out licensing issues, Becker’s Hospital Review reported. Meanwhile, North Shore Health in Grand Marais, Minnesota, may have to close a nursing facility because of staffing shortages.
California Governor Blocks Safe Injection Site Bill
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that was aimed at preventing drug overdose deaths. Newsom cited worries over “unintended consequences,” but the San Francisco Chronicle says officials there may push ahead, anyway. Meanwhile, some are speculating that Newsom’s veto is related to a possible run for president.
Key Votes Will Help Shape Abortion Landscape In Florida, NY, Oklahoma
Abortion politics are expected to play a role in today’s primaries or special elections in Florida, Oklahoma and New York.
Every State Has Reported At Least One Monkeypox Case
On Monday, Wyoming became the last of all 50 stares to report a case of the disease. The Hill reports men who have sex with men are seemingly taking advice on moderating their sexual habits. Other news outlets report on the vaccine rollout and California’s renaming of the disease.
Abortion ‘Trigger’ Bans Set To Take Effect In Tennessee, Idaho, Texas
News outlets report on the stricter abortion laws that are about to be enacted in those states, barring judicial action.
Another Reason To Exercise? It May Help Lower Covid Risks
A new study finds that people who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of developing covid or becoming seriously ill.
Pfizer Asks FDA For Updated Covid Booster OK Ahead Of Clinical Trials
Pfizer’s new covid “bivalent” vaccine booster is reformulated to target the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. The drugmakers says that it submitted pre-clinical data on efficacy to the FDA and that clinical trials will start next month.
