Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ex-NIH Director Brushes Off Concerns Over ARPA-H Independence
The new research office, essentially a medical equivalent of defense research agency DARPA, has been surrounded by controversy over how it will act independently. The FTC suing to block hospital acquisitions in New Jersey and Utah, and other health industry matters are also in the news.
As Formula Shortages Grow, Parents Turn To Other Baby Food Options
Some families who are having trouble finding formula are using baby food to supplement their child’s nutrition, according to a new poll quoted by MarketWatch. Although federal officials have rushed to bring in formula from overseas to help stem the crisis, out-of-stock rates climbed to 74% last week.
Paxlovid Lowers Covid Hospitalization And Death Rates Among Seniors
An Israeli study, published without peer review, notes that the Pfizer drug helped lower hospitalizations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated covid patients over the age of 65. The treatment was not as effective for younger patients. Earlier studies of the drug have focused on unvaccinated patients. Also: the need for more treatment options; outbreaks among vaccinated people; and the impact of vaccination during pregnancy.
Majority Of Planet Has Covid Antibodies From Vaccines Or Infections: WHO
As of last October, the number stood at 67% of people globally — and with the following omicron surge, that percentage is surely higher. World Health Organization data also confirmed the benefit of vaccines against severe disease. Separately, Politico reports that the CDC is researching deaths to determine possible linkages to long covid.
WHO Pushes Unified Monkeypox Response; US May Not Share Shots
As the unexpected global monkeypox outbreak spreads, with probable U.S. cases now also in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago, the World Health Organization said that a global fight is needed that includes Africa. Politico reports the U.S. is “undecided” on sharing its vaccine store.
Young Americans Taking Their Own Lives With Guns Hits Record Levels
The blooming mental health crisis among U.S. youth is leading to more attempted suicides, many using firearms and poisons at alarming levels.
Hospitals Bolster Security After Tulsa Shooting; Doctors Push For Gun Laws
As more details emerge about the mass shooting at an Oklahoma hospital campus, facilities nationwide grapple with the growing safety threat to medical professionals. And health workers are joining in the chorus of people demanding that lawmakers act on gun controls.
Medicare Trust Fund Gains A Little Breathing Room
The annual trustees report estimates that the Medicare trust fund will be able to pay all the costs for hospital services of older and disabled beneficiaries until 2028, two years later than the trustees said last year. Their analysis, which also noted an improved outlook for the Social Security trust fund, credited the strong economic recovery following the covid crisis.
Littlest Kids Could Start Getting Covid Shots In Weeks
Biden administration officials say that covid vaccines could arrive in doctor’s offices as soon as June 21 to start administering to most children under 5 — if approved by the FDA following a June 15 meeting of vaccine advisers.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on abortion and covid issues.
Viewpoints: Monkeypox Causing Confusion; FDA Must Act To Avoid Future Drug Shortages
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Water Insecurity Makes World ‘Less Stable,’ Harris Says
Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday that making drinking water scarcity a foreign policy priority was good, ultimately benefiting U.S. interests even if the issues are in other countries. Also: A puzzling series of attacks in night clubs in France; Italy lifts all pandemic entry rules; and more.
Research Roundup: E. Coli; Monkeypox; Gonorrhea; Diabetes; MRSA; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Complex ‘Coal Ash’ Health Case In Tennessee Supreme Court
A company, Jacobs Engineering, is challenging allegations that workers were injured or ultimately died after cleaning up a coal ash spill over a decade ago and being exposed to silica. Also in the news, the California child abuse database, legal drug injection sites in California, and more.
Lawsuit Mounted Against Florida’s New Abortion Ban
News outlets cover legal efforts from Planned Parenthood chapters and abortion providers in the state to challenge the new 15-week anti-abortion law. Separately, a call for more medical personnel in Illinois is made in light of an expected surge in abortion requests from out-of-state patients.
Maine Chosen For Pfizer’s Lyme Disease Vaccine Trial
Pfizer’s experimental vaccine is designed to combat the tick-borne disease, and the third phase of its trials will last over 13 months with patients taking two shots. Meanwhile, West Virginia’s Republican Gov. Jim Justice has confirmed he has tested positive for Lyme disease.
Feds Allege Rampant Lab Test Fraud In Texas
A rural hospital in Texas was the vehicle for a broad and deep lab testing fraud scheme, the Department of Justice Says. Meanwhile in cybercrime, the FBI reportedly blocked an attack on a children’s hospital.
Monkeypox Reaches Georgia As New York’s Case Count Hits 4
Axios reports that the center of the global monkeypox outbreak remains in Europe, with Portugal and Spain reporting over a hundred cases each. And the World Health Organization, Fox News reports, has warned that surprising outbreaks of endemic diseases will become more frequent.
NC Senate Approves Health Bill That Includes Medicaid Expansion
State lawmakers in the House may not consider the legislation, though, until the fall or next year. And some doctors and hospitals warn that the health access measure includes other complicating policies.
