Latest KFF Health News Stories
15-Week Abortion Ban Passed By Arizona Senate, Mulled By Other States
The ban was orchestrated by Republicans who control the Arizona Senate, but must still go before the House. The West Virginia House also advanced a 15-week abortion ban that now goes to the Senate. A similar measure also is being considered in Florida. But in Arkansas, the Senate rejected a push for a Texas-style abortion restrictions.
Boston’s Vaccine Mandate Dealt Setback As Local Fights Stretch Out
The debates over covid vaccine rules continue to play out in courtroom and statehouses in Massachusetts, Idaho, California, D.C. and Montana.
If You’re Vaxxed, You Won’t Need A Mask At A Disney Park
Meanwhile the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals will not require attendees to be vaccinated, nor will there be any covid-related requirements for entry. But at the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, partygoers will be subject to both masking and vaccine mandates.
Vaccinated Mothers Pass On Protection To Newborns: CDC Study
Infants under the age of six months are 61% less likely to be hospitalized for covid if their mothers got a two-dose mRNA vaccine during pregnancy, CDC research finds.
Mortality Statistics Tell Heartbreaking Story Of Those Who Didn’t Need To Die
It’s a fact of life that people die every day. But during the pandemic, the United States did a particularly poor job of preventing “excess” people from dying, updated CDC statistics show. As one expert noted, “Other countries got hit by the same virus, but no country has experienced the number of deaths we have, and even if you adjust for population, we are among the highest in the world.”
White House Wants $30 Billion More To Fight Covid
Nearly $18 billion of the requested extra federal funds will be set aside for vaccines and treatments, while $3 billion will help cover uninsured people. The White House stressed there is enough money currently available, but the extra cash is needed for future efforts.
Third Person — The First Woman — Appears To Be Cured Of HIV
A breakthrough stem-cell treatment has likely cured a patient of HIV, researchers revealed. While the treatment is not applicable for large populations, scientists say that it could open up possibilities for helping more people.
Senate Confirms Robert Califf To Top FDA Job
Dr. Robert Califf’s second stint heading up the Food and Drug Administration was confirmed last night in a 50-46 Senate vote. News outlets look ahead to the tough challenges he’ll face.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Solving The US Doctor Shortage; Current Cancer Therapies Are Underused
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Different Takes: Long Covid In Children Is Rare; Covid Is Here To Stay
Opinion writers delve into these covid, vaccine and mask issues.
Turkish Man Tests Positive For Covid For 14 Months
Doctors suspect Muzaffer Kayasan’s long-lasting infection is connected to his preexisting leukemia diagnosis. In other international news, the CDC is now recommending U.S. travelers avoid more than 135 international destinations because of covid.
New Mexico Nears Passage Of Law That Would Legalize Opiate Test Strips
The bill passed the legislature Monday and now heads to the desk of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who supports the initiative. Proponents say the bill would help prevent deadly overdoses.
San Francisco Probing Misuse Of Rape Victims’ DNA
News outlets cover moves by the city’s district attorney to investigate and potentially prevent misuse of DNA from rape kits being used later to incriminate victims. Meanwhile, the megadrought affecting southwestern North America is now thought to be the worst in 1,200 years.
MetroHealth’s ‘Hospital In The Home’ Program Has Treated 900 Patients
Crain’s Cleveland Business reports MetroHealth’s tech-driven program to deliver high-touch care for patients in their own home has been active for nearly two years. A contract dispute that could shape future Medicare Advantage negotiations and more are also in the news.
1 In 3 Vaccine Misinfo Believers Know Science Disagrees With Them
A survey from The COVID States Project suggests that some anti-vax behavior may be entrenched and resistant to efforts to better educate the population. Other reports say some medical boards face pressure to let it slide when doctors spread covid misinformation.
To Avoid Shots, Health Workers Try Religious Exemptions
The AP covers efforts by some health workers to avoid mandated covid vaccinations by applying for exemptions on religious grounds. Other media outlets cover a potential out-flux of health workers to other industries, professionals leaving mental health care jobs, and more.
Unmasking Begins At Colleges, Schools, Controversially
Reports suggest that some educational establishments are following state rules on lifting mask mandates, while others choose to keep rules in place. The moves come even as medical experts caution that mask mandate-lifting may be happening too soon. Some students agree.
Over 1,425 NYC Workers Fired For Failing To Get Vaccinated
The number represents under 1% of the city workforce required to get at least one shot by last Friday. About 900 worked at the Department of Education; 36 were from the New York Police Department. In other parts of the country: two cities relax vaccine requirements for entering businesses while two states advance bills that would limit employer mandates.
Covid Cases Drop Dramatically In US, But Not Across All Parts
The latest weekly average is still high — over 175,000 new infections — but it’s a 42% drop from the prior week. Trends in Nebraska, California, and Maine are also reported.
