Latest KFF Health News Stories
Omicron Deaths Higher For Those Who Got J&J Than Other Vaccines: CDC Data
CBS News flags recent CDC numbers that indicate that deaths for recipients of the Johnson & Johnson covid vaccine may have peaked during the omicron wave at double the rate of those who received the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA shots.
FDA Poised To OK Second Covid Booster For People 50 And Older
The FDA is expected to authorize a fourth shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna covid vaccine without a meeting of its independent vaccine advisory panel, due to an anticipated wave of BA.2 infections. The plan is expected to be announced early this week, but could shift as talks are ongoing.
From $0 To Over $100: Uninsured Now Hit By Steep Costs For Lab Covid Tests
With the federal reimbursement fund dried up and additional covid aid approval from Congress uncertain, tens of millions of Americans without health insurance now face charges to test for and treat covid that were previously covered — and that health experts worry they will skip due to costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Opinion writers explore these covid issues.
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 the world’s best hospitals, grief, psychedelic venom, covid, and more.
Texas AG Targets Puberty-Blockers, Pride Week In Schools
Media outlets cover the ongoing push against LGBTQ+ health-related matters in Texas by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is now investigating two drugmakers over off-label use of puberty blockers, and alleges that celebrating Pride Week in Austin schools constitutes sex education and may break state law.
Pandemic Affected Language, Hearing Skills Of Many Ohio Preschoolers
The Columbus Dispatch reports 52% of preschoolers tested in central Ohio neighborhoods failed speech-language screenings, and 40% failed hearing tests in 2021. Pandemic impacts on educational norms across the U.S. are blamed. North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and Georgia are also in the news.
Burger King, Other Fast Food Brands Will Phase Out PFAS In Food Packaging
Several leading fast food brands have committed to removing the “forever” chemicals from food packaging, some soon and some by 2025. Meanwhile, in California a fogging company used mislabeled pesticides to tackle covid, and in Los Angeles a chemical spill triggered smell complaints.
Ban On Sale Of Baby Crib Bumpers Advances
Baby crib bumpers have reportedly been linked to dozens of infant deaths over several decades, and a bill which passed the Senate Wednesday could ultimately ban them. The Union Democrat reports on the confusing choices faced by parents when it comes to buying safe products for infants.
Some E-Cigarettes Get FDA OK, Larger-Brand Approvals Pending
The approvals were for several tobacco-flavored products, on the basis they may work as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Decisions on bigger brands, plus menthol-flavored items are still pending. Separately, the AP reports on another Alzheimer’s drug approval process.
Senate Bill Aims To Prevent Russian Cyberattacks On Hospitals
The threat of Russian cyberattacks damaging health infrastructure is at the heart of a new bill from Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen (Democrat) and Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy (Republican). A planned psychiatric hospital in Tampa, a new autism center in Bangor, and more are also in the news.
Bill Banning Most Abortions After 15 Weeks Heads To Arizona Governor
After the Arizona Legislature approved aggressive anti-abortion restrictions Thursday, voting along party lines, the bill is headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. Meanwhile, in Houston a lawmaker is threatening legislation against companies that cover out-of-state abortion travel costs.
After Tense Hearing, Jackson Appears To Have Senate Votes For Confirmation
Leaders of both parties tell The Washington Post that Democrats still seem to be fairly united in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden’s nominee for the Supreme Court, and she may get some Republican votes, too. Meanwhile, the court is releasing little information about the health of Justice Clarence Thomas, who was hospitalized last week.
‘Going To Be Real’: World Leaders Pledge To Combat Food Shortages
President Joe Biden said he did speak with G-7 leaders about the potential for the risk of global food shortages raised by financial sanctions levied over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Back home, Americans face additional financial pressures as well.
Moderna’s Covid Shot Data Raises Hopes For Parents Of ‘Forgotten’ Kids
Over two years into the pandemic, children under five remain unvaccinated in the U.S., making life difficult for their families, caretakers and educators. Moderna’s announcement that it will apply for FDA authorization to vaccinate this age group was met with eagerness by many of those parents.
Even Covid Researchers Are Getting Death Threats, Poll Finds
Throughout the pandemic, anti-vaccine demonstrators and conspiracy theorists have threatened violence against public health officials, school boards, doctors, nurses, and others who “followed the science.” Now, a survey finds that covid researchers, too, have been consistently harassed, with 3.5% of respondents receiving death threats.
As Signs Of New Variant Reported In US, Health Officials Raise New Alarms
Some public health experts question whether the U.S. has all the needed surveillance systems to detect surges before they become a hazard. Also, news outlets look at efforts to stop covid transmission among asylum seekers crossing the border with Mexico and lessons learned from the Navaho Nation’s attempt to battle the pandemic.
White House Recognizes Airborne Covid Spread, Moving Past CDC
A blog post Thursday was the first time the White House formally acknowledged that aerosol transmission has been the primary driver of the covid pandemic, CIDRAP reports. That position goes further than the CDC has so far. Some epidemiologists hope the pivot will refocus mitigation efforts on air filtration and better quality masks. Separately, the CDC has changed its policy allowing hospital visitors to wear N95s, not just surgical masks.
