Latest KFF Health News Stories
Boston Children’s Hospital Hit With Harassment Over Trans Care For Kids
A “large volume” of hostile acts, including threats of violence towards staff have been reported, according to the Boston Globe. In other news, a hospital lawsuit over understaffing in anesthesiology, hospital executive pay increases during the pandemic, tech reinventing health care, and more.
FDA Approves Beta-Thalassemia Gene Treatment Costing $2.8M Per Patient
The treatment is made by Bluebird Bio, and is reported to represent a potential cure for the rare blood disorder. The Wall Street Journal notes it will be one of the most expensive drugs in the U.S. The treatment, called Zynteglo, had been approved in Europe but its costs were deemed prohibitive.
Updated Covid Boosters Ready Within ‘Weeks,’ Says White House
Covid coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said the updated shots, which target the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants as well as the original virus, will be available to everyone eligible over age 12. Separately, Novavax is now seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for its booster.
Covid Can Have Neurological Impact Lasting Years: Study
Media outlets report on investigations into the impact of a covid infection on patients’ brains. Higher risks of psychotic disorders, dementia and other conditions can persist for at least two years, researchers found. Delta-variant covid has also been found to lead to more psychological effects than alpha.
Reports Suggest Rethink On How Sex Plays Role In Monkeypox Transmission
A report in NBC News covers a deepening understanding in the scientific community over the role of sexual contact between men in spreading monkeypox — it may be more typical than simple skin-to-skin contact. Other outlets report a ninth U.S. child is positive, and that U.S. cases are rising.
Historic Spending: Planned Parenthood Will Spend $50M On Midterm Elections
The abortion rights advocacy organization will use record money raised after the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. Planned Parenthood says it will initially focus on nine states where races could determine abortion access.
Demand For Monkeypox Shot May Force Maker To Outsource Production
Bavarian Nordic A/S, the Denmark-based maker of the only FDA-approved monkeypox vaccine, says it is struggling to meet demand as cases rise. The White House is also facing calls to use the Defense Production Act to boost production of the shots.
Sen. Tim Kaine’s Role In Abortion Bill Stuns Abortion-Rights Supporters
The Virginia senator is taking a high-profile role in Senate abortion rights efforts. However, Tim Kaine personally opposes abortion, and many women are balking at a man emerging as the Democrats’ face in the push. Also, progressive Democrats say the bill he is backing would actually fall short of codifying Roe v. Wade.
North Carolina Halts Some Abortions; South Carolina Resumes Them, For Now
On Wednesday, a federal judge reinstated an unenforced 20-week abortion ban in North Carolina, with exceptions for urgent medical emergencies, AP reported. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked the state’s ban on terminating a pregnancy at around six weeks while legal fights move forward.
Walgreens, Walmart, CVS Ordered To Pay Ohio Counties $650 Million In Opioid Suit
After a jury found the three pharmacies liable for a role in the opioid epidemic of Lake and Trumbull counties, a federal judge awarded the plaintiffs $650 million in damages. The case has been closely watched as a bellwether for opioid litigation.
CDC Chief Lays Out Agency ‘Reset’ In Wake Of Pandemic Missteps
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky says the internal restructuring will focus on improving communication, timeliness, and accountability around public health threats. The proposed changes must be approved the HHS.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Telehealth Access Boosted In Atlanta Schools
Many of the city’s public schools are reportedly responding to the pandemic’s impact on children’s mental health, giving all students telehealth access to doctors and therapists. Meanwhile in Wyoming, a faith-based organization is boosting access to mobile ultrasound for rural areas.
Viewpoints: CDC Worsens Covid Confusion; Is Religion Really A Barrier To Polio Shots?
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Perspectives: How Will The Inflation Reduction Act Impact Drug Prices?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Dupilumab Improves Covid Outcomes; Xofluza Approved For Treating Flu In Kids 5 And Older
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Study Shows Unscrutinized Hospital Mergers Can Push Prices Up
State regulations can shield hospital mergers from federal scrutiny, Stat notes, and this can ultimately lead to substantial price rises. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal covers a report saying that hospital finances are deteriorating due to rising labor and supply costs.
Health Workers Who Wore Respirators Were 40% Less At Risk From Covid
A study reported at CIDRAP looked at roughly 3,000 health care workers and found that wearing a respirator during the pandemic definitely offered benefits. A separate study links a covid infection to higher risks of vein blood clots than is found for flu infections.
As Polio Circulates In New York, Doctors Tell Parents: Vaccinate
The New York Times reports on findings out of the CDC that an April wastewater sample from Orange County, N.Y., tested positive for polio and that the virus may have been circulating for up to a year elsewhere in the world. Other public health news is on baby formula, overdoses and migrant health.
