Latest KFF Health News Stories
Vice President To Meet With Abortion Providers
Amid the ongoing controversy over the Supreme Court leak on the ending of Roe v. Wade, Vice President Kamala Harris will speak virtually with abortion providers and engage with pro-choice advocates in the audience. Separately, a poll shows 64% of Americans support keeping Roe v. Wade.
As Covid Surges Again, Masking Rules Are On The Table. Again
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams said he won’t reinstate a mask mandate even as health officials note covid hospitalizations are rising. But in Massachusetts, a coalition of public health leaders are pressing for stricter measures, including a mask recommendation. In Des Moines, indoor masking in city facilities may be mandated, even though an earlier rule was dropped only in February.
White House Officials: Wear Masks Again
The surge in covid cases has Biden administration health officials advising people to again wear masks.
Massachusetts Man Has First US Monkeypox Case This Year
A small but growing global monkeypox outbreak has reached the U.S. A man is being treated in isolation at Massachusetts General Hospital. Officials say there is no current public health risk, but the disease can be serious. Other news includes a measles outbreak in Virginia and child hepatitis cases.
To Fix Shortage, Biden Empowers Military To Fly In Baby Formula
President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to attempt to solve the baby formula supply shortage. Military air cargo planes in “Operation Fly Formula” will bring formula from overseas. Separately, a $28 million emergency bill to help was passed in the House.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Supplements Can Be Dangerous Without FDA Oversight
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Is Hepatitis In Children Being Caused By Covid?; Who Should Be Prescribed Paxlovid?
Opinion writers examine covid and abortion.
Perspectives: Before Roe Falls, Make Abortion Pills OTC; Ideas To Make Prescriptions More Affordable
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Study: Over 5 Years, Pollution Killed More Than War, Terrorism, Or Drugs
In fact, the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health Journal says from 2015 through 2019, one in every six deaths of people around the world had roots in pollution-related issues. Also: NPR reports on a study showing a link between cutting fossil fuel air pollution in the U.S. and saving lives.
Henrietta Lacks Cancer Cell Case Facing Federal Court Test
Henrietta Lacks’ cells have been used for over 70 years in cancer research, but they were taken without consent. Her family launched a lawsuit seeking compensation. Now, a federal judge will rule on the standing of their suit. Also: a hearing-loss drug, monopoly tactics by drugmakers, and more.
Army Responds To Troops’ Mental Health Crisis In Alaska
Also, news about nursing home conditions in Indiana, another hospital superbug outbreak, respiratory illness among Houston children, and more.
HPV Vaccination Campaigns Are Effective: Study
And a new, unbranded TV ad from Merck reminds parents to get their 9-year-old children vaccinated against human papillomavirus.
CBO: Lowering Medicare Age Would Cost $155 Billion Over Five Years
The Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation put a price tag on lowering the eligibility age to 60. Other news is about the rising cost of health care for retirees.
Ariz. Lawmakers Pass More Restrictions On Public Health Officials
Arizona’s legislature passes two bills, expected to be signed by the governor, restricting responses to public health crises; mask mandates rejected in Iowa by a federal court; and the Mayo Clinic is sued for its restrictions.
Long Covid Risks Could Be Spotted By Machine Learning
A new study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, found that machine learning models were able to spot patterns in patient data that pointed to higher risks of developing long covid. Other reports highlight the sometimes overlooked symptoms of long covid, and its impact.
Covid Surge Expands, But Gauging Risks Is Difficult
The very highly transmissible omicron variant, BA.2.12.1, has exploded across many parts of the country. Reports look at increases in cases in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and the San Francisco area. Meanwhile, Eric Clapton — a prominent opponent of vaccination mandates — has tested positive. Apple is delaying the return of employees to the office.
Pfizer Boosters For 5- To 11-Year-Olds Win FDA Authorization
The Pfizer/BioNTech covid vaccine is the only one approved for this age group, and a typical two-dose regime hasn’t conferred much protection to these younger recipients. Separately, the World Health Organization agreed a second booster may benefit vulnerable people.
Michigan’s 1931 Anti-Abortion Law Blocked By Injunction
The old law, which bans most abortions unless the pregnancy itself could be fatal, would be the primary law in Michigan if Roe v. Wade is overturned. But a court said a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood alleging it violates the state constitution has legal merit. Other abortion news, including what a Founding Father said about it.
