Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Jerseyans Will Be Able To Buy Recreational Pot From April 21
Meanwhile, the timeline for a U.S. weed legalization bill slipped but is said to be on track for introduction before the August Senate recess. In other news, Connecticut doctors call for Medicaid expansion for undocumented kids; Massachusetts issues policies for telehealth visits; and more.
USAID Employees Seek Exit After Halt In Congressional Funding
A report in Politico says “dozens” of employees are looking to leave the agency, which has been working to get covid shots into people’s arms around the world. Meanwhile, in the U.K., health authorities approved Valneva’s covid vaccine — the first body in Europe to approve the French company’s shot.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on omicron, vaccines, TIAs, perinatal depression, “clean” wine, and more.
More Meningitis Vaccines Ordered For Florida Outbreak
An ongoing meningitis outbreak in Florida has so far only been affecting men who have sex with men. Separately, three new papers have shown that meningitis vaccines have effectiveness against gonorrhea, an illness against which there’s no current vaccine available.
Deal Reached In Lawsuit Demanding Access To Lower-Cost HIV Drugs
The complaint alleged that a “no-generic” scheme kept prices for HIV drugs at “sky-high” levels. The settlement would effectively open the door to generic combination for one specific HIV medicine called Evotaz. The drug combines atazanavir, which is made by Bristol Myers, and cobicstat, which is made by Gilead Sciences.
Most Health Professionals Who Got Covid Caught It At Work, Early
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its first look into covid exposures among U.S. health workers, revealing that most positive cases happened early in the pandemic, and at work. Other reports cover a PTSD bill, the impact of covid on health worker’s kids, and more.
Surprise Billing Dispute Resolution Process Gets More Complex
Modern Healthcare reports on the ongoing and convoluted process of providers filing dispute resolutions under the new surprise billing rule, which has been in place since January.
Florida Governor Signs Bill Banning Abortions After 15 Weeks
Until this law was enacted, Florida allowed abortion until the third trimester, which is 24 weeks of pregnancy. The Supreme Court is considering a similar Mississippi law that bans abortions after 15 weeks. A decision is expected later this year.
With BA.4, BA.5 Threat Rising, White House Says Keep Calm
Media outlets report on the White House’s outwardly-calm public stance on the pandemic, thanks to covid vaccines, tests and treatments. But Biden administration organizations and health bodies around the world are carefully monitoring the emerging threat of the two new omicron subvariants.
Pfizer Booster Tailored To Omicron Variants Could Be Available This Fall
Separately, an Israeli study finds that a second booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech covid vaccine lowers the worst risks of covid by as much as 76% over just a single booster.
FDA Authorizes First Covid Breathalyzer Test
The FDA granted emergency-use authorization for a Texas company’s diagnostic test that delivers results in three minutes. It could be used by hospitals, doctors or at mobile test sites. Positive results should be followed up by a PCR test.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: ACA Has Been A Success; TennCare Changes Are A Win For Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Opinion writers examine the covid related issues.
UT Southwestern Leaders Maneuver To Accept Blame For Trans Care Cuts
Meanwhile in Kentucky, the Republican-controlled legislature swiftly overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of an anti-transgender sports bill, meaning the ban is now in place for kids from the sixth grade up. Beshear had warned the bill could be unconstitutional.
Opioid Deaths Rise Devastatingly Among Black St. Louisans
Reports say there’s been a 560% rise of overdose deaths of Black people in St. Louis since 2015. Meanwhile, in Colorado a bill would make it a felony to possess more than 1 gram of fentanyl. In Boston, efforts to reduce alcoholism include an app that “rewards” abstention with a daily $5 bonus.
Congress, White House Plans To Boost Mental Health Gain Traction
AP reports on a bipartisan push to improve mental health in the U.S., which was worsened by the pandemic. And Axios notes that children’s mental health risks becoming the next U.S. culture war. But other news outlets report on the rise of potentially helpful mental health apps and chatbots.
Research Roundup: HPV; Covid; C. Diff; Lymphoma; Psilocybin; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Pfizer To Request FDA Booster Shot Approval For Kids Ages 5-11
Pfizer and BioNTech says trial data shows that an additional shot of its covid vaccine effectively raises antibody levels in kids to protect against the omicron variant. The data has not been published or reviewed by independent experts, AP reports.
Study Links Silica Dust To Appalachian Black Lung Epidemic
Severe black lung disease has been plaguing coal miners in Appalachia, and a study has now blamed silica dust as the reason for the problem. A deepening crisis over baby formula, work to end the Black maternal health crisis, and good news about fixing Achilles tendon damage is also in media reports.
