Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Can We Build Covid Immunity With Infection?; It’s Past Time For An Under-5s Vaccine
Opinion writers weigh in on covid as well as race in health care.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Beijing Tightens Covid Rules; New Zealand, Italy, Greece Relax Them
Chinese authorities aiming to control an ongoing covid outbreak and are trying a new range of restrictions that stop shy of a full lockdown. Meanwhile, in New Zealand the government is opening the borders to tourists — and Italy, Greece are relaxing their rules to boost tourism.
Challenge Mounted To Ohio Law Allowing Doctors To Deny Services
The Columbus Dispatch covers a case against Ohio’s law that allows health providers to deny services that violate their beliefs — because of the way the law was snuck into a budget bill. Tennessee’s “acquired immunity” covid law, the Lone Star tick in D.C., and other matters are also in the news.
Stanford Nurses Strike May End Soon; Cedars-Sinai Workers Set To Walk Out
Modern Healthcare reports on two strike-related developments: 5,000 nurses from Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children’s Health may stop striking tomorrow; while a union representing 2,000 workers at Cedars-Sinai plans a strike on May 9. Racism in health care, the loss of pandemic aid for hospitals, and more industry news are also covered by media outlets.
Study Shows AI Can Spot Ventricular Condition From Apple Watch Data
Modern Healthcare and Stat cover an innovation from Mayo Clinic, where ECG data from an Apple Watch is run through a smart algorithm that can then identify left ventricular dysfunction. Separately, a study shows the amount of covid virus shed by asymptomatic people varies widely.
Texas Updates Sex Ed Programs But Advocates Say Details Are Missing
The Texas State Board of Education has updated the health curriculum, including sexual health, for elementary and middle school students, NPR reports. The curriculum includes detailed information about birth control and STIs for the first time, but still avoids subjects like consent, gender or LGBTQ+ topics.
Trans Youth ‘Hounded’ By State Anti-Trans Laws: Assistant Health Secretary
While speaking in Texas, Assistant Health Secretary Rachel Levine poured scorn on anti-trans sports and health care laws being passed in Republican-led states. The bills, Levine said, are driving transgender youths to “depths of despair” as medicine and science is distorted for political gain. Levine is the highest ranking transgender official in U.S. history.
Details Released In CDC Probe Of Mystery Hepatitis Cases In Kids
With its investigation ongoing, the CDC provided early findings into the 9 Alabama pediatric hepatitis cases. Several of the kids tested positive for adenovirus, which has been the leading suspect.
Conn. Bill Would Shield Residents From Out-Of-State Abortion Penalties
The bill, which has been approved by the state legislature and awaits the governor’s signature, would protect health care providers who perform abortions that are legal in Connecticut by barring police there from cooperating with authorities from other states investigating abortions and help keep citizens from facing legal action in those other states.
Despite Covid Threat, Biden And Thousands Attend Journalist Dinner
President Joe Biden toasted the reporters at the packed White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner and received his share of roasting, too. In other Washington news, emails released by a House select committee show Trump administration official did not take public health officials’ advice on guidance for religious services, and limits on health savings contributions are rising.
Georgia Plan To Bypass ACA Insurance Marketplace Blocked
Georgia had received approval from the Trump administration to have residents shop for insurance only through private brokers, instead of the federal healthcare.gov website. But the Biden administration said Friday that move could break federal rules and cause too many people to be dropped from coverage.
Omicron’s Variants Elude Antibodies From Previous Infection: Study
In South Africa — where the BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages of the covid omicron variant are taking hold — researchers find that those subvariants can evade antibodies from an earlier infection. But they’re less successful at dodging vaccine protection. Meanwhile, a former U.S. official warns of the likelihood of a summer surge.
Moderna’s Omicron-Tailored Booster To Be Largely Available This Fall
Moderna’s chief medical officer said the drugmaker will have “large amounts” of its bivalent covid booster shot by then, and that its vaccine for the youngest kids would be ready for FDA review in June. Meanwhile, pressure grows on the agency to move quickly toward approval.
Paxlovid Only Treats, Doesn’t Prevent Covid Infection: Pfizer Trials
Some experts told Stat that they were disappointed, but not surprised by the results of the 3,000 person clinical trial studying Pfizer’s antiviral drug’s ability to prevent infection. In other Paxlovid news, U.S. government researchers are looking into reports of relapses.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, prescription issues and overdose prevention.
Viewpoints: Oprah Takes On Racism In Health Care; It’s Time To Reassess Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Canada Will Allow Blood Donations From Gay Men
Restrictions on gay men donating blood are set to be lifted in Canada after the government spent C$5 million researching the change’s impact on the safety of the blood donation system. Separately, Denmark made the bold decision to halt its covid vaccine program after controlling the virus.
