Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Panel Debates Need For Updated Covid Booster Shots This Fall
The FDA’s independent vaccine advisory panel met Wednesday to discuss how covid vaccines should be adjusted for future variants. Specific recommendations for next fall’s shot may be put to a vote in May or June.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: School-Based Health Centers Improve Student Outcomes; PCPs Should Prescribe Methadone
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Different Takes: Why Do Some Believe Ivermectin Cures Covid?; Poverty Worsens Covid Outcome
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
Price of Blood Thinners Has Doubled
An analysis of list prices of commonly prescribed drugs by Patients for Affordable Drugs found large price increases. In other news, Douglas Melton, one of the leading stem cell researchers in the world, is leaving Harvard University to join Vertex Pharmaceuticals to work on diabetes treatments.
Perspectives: High Prices Make Medications Unattainable; Cuban Cuts Out PBMs To Lower Costs
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Fewer Antibiotics Better For Pneumonia In Kids, Study Suggests
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Women Of Reproductive Age Widely Failed By US Health System: Report
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund provides a deep dive into how American women are let down by the health system, including that they’re more likely to die from preventable causes than women in other wealthy countries, and over three times more likely to die during pregnancy.
Ohio, Texas Pushing Copycats Of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
In what supporters call a “parental rights” move, Ohio lawmakers introduced House Bill 616 — similar to a new Florida law designed to stymie educators discussing gender issues with young children. Meanwhile, the Texas Tribune reports on pushback on Texas’ plan to pass similar legislation.
Study Shows Instagram Fails To Protect Prominent Women From Abuse
A report from the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate says women “in the public eye” are being failed by Instagram, including the service not removing accounts aiming abuse at them.
Walgreens Faces Jury In Opioid Case
Other big pharmacy chains have settled in Florida, but Walgreens will face a jury over its opioid distribution. Other news is on opioids, and on pot distribution in the nation’s capital.
Researchers Invent Way To Spot Signs Of Lyme Disease Sooner
In other news, about 28% of young American people aged 12 to 19 show signs of prediabetes; a science team has found microplastics in live human lung tissue for the first time; and a California startup is trying to convert pollutant gasses into a new kind of artificial meat.
Hospital Held Accountable for Sexual Abuse
A California state court rules a hospital can be held responsible for sexual abuse of a patient by an employee. In other hospital industry news, the Health and Human Services Department wants to know how health care organizations implement security practices to protect patients’ information.
Oklahoma House Passes Strict Anti-Abortion Bill
Oklahoma’s Republican governor has said he will sign any anti-abortion bill sent to him. This one makes it a felony to perform an abortion. Idaho and Iowa also ready anti-abortion measures.
Nearly 3 In 4 US Covid Cases Now ‘Stealth’ Omicron BA.2
The dramatic rise of omicron covid subvariant BA.2 is seen in data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Separately, since GlaxoSmithKline’s covid drug sotrovimab is known to be ineffective in treating this subvariant, the FDA has deauthorized its use.
CDC Director Clear On Need For Booster Covid Shot
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said there is enough immunity in the U.S. population to provide some protection against the more contagious omicron BA.2 subvariant and clearly encouraged people over 50 to get a booster.
White House Steps Up Efforts To Study Long Covid
Media outlets report on new plans from the Biden administration to battle long covid, including creating a new task force to coordinate research efforts across different federal agencies. Meanwhile, two new studies on the disease in France and China report its long-term symptoms persist over a year.
Biden, Obama Reunite At White House To Promote Affordable Care Act
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday that ordered agencies to expand coverage and lower costs. The Biden administration has also proposed a rule to close a subsidy loophole dubbed the “family glitch.”
Quick Passage Of Covid Relief Bill Appears Remote
Republicans are using a Trump-era immigration policy to hold up a bill to provide $10 billion in covid aid. Getting the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk before a two-week recess seems remote.
The cancer-causing substance can still be found in car brakes and linings, gaskets and water treatment. Its use has never been completely banned.
