Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Protein-Based Covid Shot Authorized For Use In US
The Novavax covid vaccine is built using traditional technology instead of mRNA like some rivals. On Tuesday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on its use, officially clearing the way for it to be distributed to states. Americans now have four covid shots available: Novavax, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Psychedelics Are Effective Medicine; Insurance Compounds Mental Health Struggles
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Opinion writers examine STI prevention and reproductive rights.
UK Hits Records, Other Countries Suffer In Extreme Heat
A temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit, is a never-before recorded peak expected to be reached in parts of Britain today. Meanwhile, extreme heat has already killed over 1,000 people in Spain and Portugal. Also: the Marburg virus outbreak in Ghana continues to be a concern.
988 Crisis Line Touted; Rhode Island Sues Over Lead Poisoning
The AP reports that Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, a Democrat, was praising the new 988 mental health crisis line, saying it was important to “treat mental health the same way as we treat physical health.” Also: lead poisoning, testing HIV vaccines, health worker strikes and more.
Rural Hospitals Finding It Hard To Keep Obstetrics Departments Open
A report in Modern Healthcare describes difficulties that rural hospitals across the country face in trying to maintain their level of obstetrics services, with worries over growing service “deserts.” Separately, reports say Washington state hospitals are over capacity due to problems in discharging patients.
Fauci Says He’s Calling It Quits By 2025
America’s best-known infectious-disease expert will retire by the end of President Joe Biden’s current term, but it may be “sooner rather than later,” the 81-year-old said.
Study: Booster Shots Worked Against Early Omicron Variants
A new U.S. study shows the benefits of booster shots, as they substantially combatted earlier omicron covid subvariants. But a separate study shows that being hospitalized for covid is linked to a nearly 50% higher risk of later heart failure for certain groups. Other research and innovations are reported.
Uber Settles Lawsuit On Overcharging Disabled Passengers
Allegations the rideshare company had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act led to a federal lawsuit and the $2.2 million settlement, as well as waivers for wait time fees for disabled passengers. Meanwhile, media outlets report on extreme heat warnings and the health risks linked to heat.
Biden Might Declare A National Climate Emergency
The declaration could empower the administration to tackle some of its goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering cleaner energy, The Washington Post reported. The scope and timing of an announcement was not clear.
CDC Turning Over Covid Case-Counting To Cruise Line Operators
Cruise lines will continue to report coronavirus cases to the agency, but they now have adequate tools to do it themselves, the CDC says. Meanwhile, even though covid cases are climbing across the U.S., some health experts are hesitant to “cry wolf.”
Years Of Neglect Hinder Health Clinics On Front Lines Of Monkeypox Battle
Decades of underfunding have left sexual health clinics across the U.S. “stretched to capacity” and ill-equipped to handle yet another epidemic, says David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.
Harris Warns Of Political Efforts That Will Drag Women’s Health ‘Backwards’
Speaking to the NAACP National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris said “extremist so-called leaders” are targeting fundamental civil rights by targeting abortion and voting.
Abortion Exception To Save Mother’s Life Rejected By Idaho Republicans
At the Idaho Republican convention, delegates voted against adding language to its party platform that would carve out an abortion exception in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. News on court and legislative developments is also reported from Florida, West Virginia, Indiana, and other states.
Overseas Nonprofits Shipping More Abortion Pills To US
While U.S. telehealth clinics also report an uptick in demand, those practices are limited in states with restrictions on medicated abortion. But foreign-based nonprofits are serving some those places amidst a complicated legal landscape, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Overturning Roe Puts Doctors In Moral Dilemma; Ending Abortion Is Deadly For Women
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
‘Marburg Can Easily Get Out Of Hand’: Ebola-Like Virus Spreads In West Africa
Two people in Ghana have died from the hemorrhagic fever. The first case of the virus in the region was detected last year in Guinea, with no further cases identified, Reuters reported. Other news is from the U.K., India, Japan, and the African Union.
Scarcity Of Covid Shots For Young Kids In Florida Blamed On DeSantis
People are complaining it’s hard to find vaccines for children under 5 in Florida, and anecdotally the governor is blamed, the Washington Post says. Meanwhile, although the giant convention Comic-Con is returning to San Diego for the first time since covid began, masks are required.
