Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA’s Planned Menthol Cigarette Ban Would Impact Third Of Smokers
The FDA released its long-awaited proposed rule that could end sales in the U.S. of menthol cigarettes and cigars. The plan also includes other flavored cigars as well. It’s estimated that 18.5 million Americans use such products, including 3 out of 4 Black people who smoke.
California Areas Report Swelling Covid Cases
In Los Angeles, hospitalizations are also starting to creep up — a more worrisome trend that has tended to follow surges in covid infections. With cases also on the rise in the Bay Area, San Francisco is bringing back some precautions.
Parents’ Wait For Covid Vaccine For Youngest Kids May End In June
Media outlets follow up on Moderna’s FDA request for approval of its low-dose, two-shot covid vaccine for children younger than six years old. If given approval, Moderna’s shots would be the first to go into the arms of the nation’s youngest unvaxxed age group.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Different Takes: FDA Must Approve Under-5 Vaccine; Here’s How To Manage Covid And Kids Going Forward
Opinion writers discuss covid issues and medical debt.
Measles Surging Amid Pandemic-Related Delays Of Childhood Vaccines
Media outlets cover warnings from the World Health Organization and UNICEF about a “perfect storm” of events relating to a worldwide jump in measles — cases are up 79% in the first two months of 2022. Meanwhile, NPR covers a disturbing amount of child deaths after general hospitalizations.
California Advances Plan To Boost Payouts From Malpractice Cases
The state legislature still has to approve the plan, but if it passes, the plan will reform California’s laws that currently limit some of the costs that can be claimed in a medical malpractice suit. Separately, in Wisconsin, an investigation is happening into four child cases of liver damage.
Research Roundup: Covid; MRSA; TB; Coronary Artery Disease
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Hospitals Losing Money, Thanks To Covid-Driven Cost Increases
According to Bloomberg, even though the health system is emerging from the worst of the pandemic, the ongoing elevated costs of workers are causing profit warnings. The Bay Area News Group covers how travel nurses are cashing in on such pandemic issues and the Stanford nursing strike.
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.
