Latest KFF Health News Stories
North Carolina, Virginia Hospitals Score Best In Latest Safety Rankings
They were among eight states that had 50% or more of its hospitals receive an “A” grade in the latest ratings from Leapfrog Group. But Wyoming, West Virginia, North Dakota and the District of Columbia had zero hospitals that received an “A” from the watchdog, Fierce Healthcare reports.
UK Trial Finds 4th MRNA Dose Raises Covid Protection
New research published in the Lancet shows how a second mRNA booster shot lifts antibody levels — possibly even above peak levels from a first booster dose. The Oklahoman and NPR however, report that despite the efficacy, many people who are eligible for vaccines or boosters still aren’t getting them.
Covid Hospitalizations Surging Again; Study May Explain Omicron’s Speed
ABC News reports that 41 states and territories have reported increases of 10% or more in their daily number of covid admissions. CIDRAP reports on a study that showed patients infected with omicron shed more live virus eight days after illness onset than those with the delta variant. In other news, White House adviser Susan Rice tests positive for covid.
US Has Few Funds To Bring To Table At Own Covid Summit
As the White House prepares to host world leaders and health experts, stalled negotiations with Congress over additional funds leaves the U.S. little to offer global pandemic response discussions. Speaking of: Democrats decouple Ukraine funding legislation from the thornier matter of covid money, in an effort to get Republicans on board.
Safety Concerns For Justices Prompt Senate Action
The Senate passed by unanimous consent a bill that would extend around-the-clock security protection by the Supreme Court’s police to members of the justices’ families. The White House also criticized vandalism and threats of violence by protesters.
Cities, Clinics Prep For Post-Roe World Of Traveling Patients, Investigations
A D.C. council bill would disallow the city from cooperating with outside state criminal prosecutions of anyone who gets or performs an abortion in the District. And Chicago is increasing funds to expand access.
Will Republicans Push National Abortion Ban? Party Is Divided
In the near-term, Republicans have enough votes to doom this week’s vote on Democrats’ national abortion rights bill. But longer term — whenever they next control the White House and Capitol Hill — there is a split over nationwide restrictions or an outright ban.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Health Care Workers Are In Crisis; Covid Challenge Trials Provided Important Data
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Viewpoints: What A Neonatologist Wants Roe Challengers To Know; States Must Ensure Abortion Rights
Opinion writers weigh in on abortion rights, obesity and hearing care.
Patient In UK Has Monkeypox, Likely Caught In Nigeria
Also in the U.K., reports say food poverty jumped up 57% over three months, and people seeking support from food banks are asking for food that doesn’t need cooking to avoid soaring energy bills. Meanwhile in South Africa, the covid positivity rate is nearly at record levels again.
Gender-Affirming Meds For Youngsters Now Illegal In Alabama
Alabama is the first state to ban gender-affirming medication for young trans people, with a new law targeting those seeking care who are under 19. Meanwhile, in Missouri and Maine, high lead levels in school water supplies is causing concern, in some cases causing closure of schools.
NIH Efficiency Board Hasn’t Met In 7 Years For Unknown Reasons
A surprising report in Stat says some members of the oversight board, designed to improve efficiency at the National Institutes of Health, aren’t even sure if the board still exists. Other health industry news includes health care hiring rising in April, a federal investigation of Cerebral, and more.
‘Pediatric Pandemic’ Of Suicidal Teens Overnighting In ERs
The New York Times says a surge in mental health problems in young people during the pandemic is resulting in regular boarding in emergency departments, partly due to declines in residential facilities for younger patients. Other mental health stories include a San Francisco program to link patients to services.
CDC Probe Of Children’s Hepatitis Outbreak Looks At Common Virus
Investigators say they have not yet determined if a type of adenovirus — a common virus that causes intestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea — is causing the outbreak but it has been linked to about half the hepatitis cases among children. They are also looking at the possibility of a covid infection, but they ruled out any link to the covid vaccines because many of the children had not been vaccinated. In other news, the infant formula shortage is worsening.
Clampdown On J&J Covid Shot Hasn’t Disrupted Vax Rollout, Providers Say
And new studies appear to show that three covid vaccine doses protect against Omicron subvariants. Also: nasal vaccines, an Idaho doctor who is spreading vaccine misinformation, and more.
White House Sounds Alarm Over Looming Winter Covid Surge
Due to new omicron subvariants, the Biden administration estimates that the U.S. could see 100 million covid infections this coming fall and winter. Officials say that additional funds are urgently needed to combat the wave.
Wisconsin Anti-Abortion Group Hit In Arson Attack
News outlets report a fire early Sunday at the office of Family Action is being investigated by local police as arson. Meanwhile the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has predicted Wisconsin’s abortion ban law wouldn’t stay in place long if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Inner Workings Of Supreme Court Under Microscope With Leak
NPR’s court reporter says that the “leading theory” is that a conservative clerk leaked the Supreme court draft opinion last week, while Republicans want the Justice Department to launch another investigation. And the daughter of Norma McCorvey, the famous “Jane Roe” plaintiff, reacts to the looming reversal of abortion law.
Protesters, Public Opinion Polls Voice Opposition For Overturning Roe
In continued reaction to the Supreme Court’s leaked decision: Abortion-rights supporters have continued to protest, including outside justices’ homes. And a wave of donations flow to reproductive rights groups, while surveys show more Americans support federal abortion rights. Also, demand for abortion medication is on the rise.
