Latest KFF Health News Stories
RSV Vaccine Given During Pregnancy Transfers Protection To Newborns
Newly published research about Pfizer’s experimental respiratory syncytial virus shot shows that protection is also conferred to the babies when it’s given during pregnancy. In other news, doctors express concerns about rising STD rates across the U.S.
Lawmakers Say McKinsey Ignored Bigger Context Of Opioid Crisis
Various media reports cover the first appearance of consulting firm McKinsey’s top executive before Congress as part of an investigation into the company’s role in the opioid crisis. Harsh criticisms were leveled at McKinsey, including allegations it failed to recognize the context of its “schemes.”
Some Covid Patients Are Relapsing After Taking Paxlovid
Researchers aren’t sure why but said the phenomenon is rare. Some doctors are now wondering whether the treatment, made by Pfizer, should be given for longer to assure that the virus is cleared.
Moderna Requests FDA Authorization Of Covid Vaccine For Young Kids
Moderna applied Thursday for emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for its covid shot to be allowed for children ages 6 months to 5 years. It’s a long-awaited move by parents with young kids, though the FDA and CDC decisions aren’t expected until June.
ER Docs Sue Employer, Say They Were Told To Work Sick, Avoid Covid Tests
Eight Houston physicians have accused American Physician Partners, a Tennessee-based hospital management company, of “unethical practices.” Meanwhile, covid cases are up in many states, a Princess cruise ship has more outbreaks, and FEMA may have been double-billed for covid funerals.
Biden Will Attend Correspondents Dinner With Extra Covid Precautions
President Joe Biden will skip the meal and wear a mask except when speaking at this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner. With a growing list of high-profile covid infections in D.C., and a spate of cases after the recent Gridiron Dinner, more questions about gala safety are being raised. Dr. Anthony Fauci is one notable guest who has already backed out.
FDA Menthol Cigarette Ban Could Save Hundreds Of Thousands Of Lives
Health experts suggest the anticipated proposed rule banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars could lead to many people’s lives being saved, but the plan has big critics. Some worry that the ban would unfairly impact Black Americans and lead to policing issues — 85% of Black smokers favor menthol cigarettes.
‘It’s Not Over’: Fauci Clarifies That Pandemic Is In ‘Transition’ But Not Done
During multiple news interviews Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci explained that his PBS NewsHour comments — in which he said the U.S. is “out of the pandemic phase” — were being mischaracterized. “We are in a different moment of the pandemic,” he clarified to the AP.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: With Roe In Jeopardy, Women Go To Mexico; WHO’s Early Covid Claims Confused The Public
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Perspectives: Drug Prices Unaffordable For Many
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Covid Vaccine Boosted Pharma’s Trustworthiness
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Global Vax Efforts Slipping As Rich Countries Slow Cash Supply
Meanwhile, in China, reports say an ongoing covid outbreak is worsened by a lack of home-produced mRNA vaccines, and in Mexico, the government said that covid is now an endemic problem, rather than pandemic. Also: Tennis star Novak Djovovic can play at Wimbledon even though he’s unvaxxed.
Investigation Finds Health Risks Posed By Military Housing Provider
Balfour Beatty Communities, a Senate panel found, was responding inadequately to mold and other problems causing health risks in military housing. In other news, Maine may screen some newborns for the hearing-damaging cytomegalovirus, Bangor will repeal the first in-state flavored tobacco ban, and more.
Liver Damage May Be Caused By PFAS Exposure: Study
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances may be linked to liver damage and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease according to researchers, and around 200 million Americans may have PFAS in their drinking water. Separately, a new technology may be able to clean water of these substances.
Kansas Abortions Rise; Dems Worry Public Doesn’t Grasp Threat To Roe
The Kansas numbers show fewer people coming from Texas and Oklahoma in 2021 but more from Missouri. Meanwhile, Democratic pollsters, campaign operatives and candidates say the party needs to be more active to explain the stakes of an anticipated Supreme Court decision in June that could upend Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that made abortion legal across the country.
Tenet Healthcare Hit By Cyberhack
The cybersecurity incident affected Tenet last week, causing a temporary disruption to some services at the giant hospital chain. Also: Rite Aid must pay Humana $123 million for high drug price claims; another conviction in Mississippi’s pain cream fraud scheme; the antitrust suit against Sutter Health and more.
WHO Warns Of Social Media Health Misinformation Risks
The reminder, from the executive director of the health emergencies program, came in response to Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter. Meanwhile, a study links exposure to online misinformation to problems of vaccine hesitancy and refusal early in the pandemic.
Covid Catches Up To Vice President
Vice President Kamala Harris previously had a few close calls, including when her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, tested positive March 15. Harris, who says she has no symptoms and has taken Paxlovid, is not considered a close contact of President Joe Biden.
FDA Official Says Vaccines For Children Under 5 Waiting For Complete Data
Dr. Peter Marks, who oversees vaccine regulation for the F.D.A., was pressed by members of Congress about the delay but said, “We can’t actually finish our reviews until we actually have complete applications.” Moderna expects to file an application by the end of April, and Pfizer is expected to file its application in May.
