Latest KFF Health News Stories
Democrats’ Abortion Rights Bill Fails To Pass Senate
As anticipated, Senate Republicans blocked legislation, in a 46-48 vote, backed by Democrats that would have codified abortion rights into federal law ahead of an expected Supreme Court decision that could limit access to the procedure.
Some School, Indoor Mask Mandates Eased
News outlets cover the lowering of mask rules in California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Michigan in different ways — some for most indoor places, some in schools. And in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul said choices over masks and vaccines should shift from the state to individuals.
CDC Estimate: Nearly Twice As Many Had Covid Than US Case Counts Reveal
Based on antibody blood tests, the CDC says that 140 million Americans have likely contracted covid-19. And that estimate may be low because the analyzed samples were only through late January, when the highly contagious omicron variant was still surging. The data also indicates that a majority of kids have likely been infected.
Pfizer’s Covid Shots Less Effective For 5- To 11-Year-Olds: Study
The new data hints Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine may not work as well against preventing infection and hospitalization in younger children. Separately, a book explains the difficulties of rolling out Pfizer’s shots under Operation Warp Speed, and Moderna faces a lawsuit over its covid vaccine.
Unpredictability Of Virus Restrains Biden From Declaring Covid ‘Victory’
News outlets explore the White House debates over how to characterize this phase of the pandemic during tonight’s State of the Union speech, acknowledging that a “mission accomplished” moment could still be premature but that Americans are eager for some good news after two years.
Biden To Propose Nursing Home Safety Measures During State Of The Union
In the wake of nursing home struggles to protect residents and staff from covid-19, President Joe Biden will announce changes to improve care quality at those facilities and to crack down on ones with poor records.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Different Takes: Preparing For A Variant That Evades Vaccines; CDC Says It’s Time To Unmask
Opinion writers examine the latest on covid and abortion care.
WHO Warns Of Oxygen Shortage In Ukraine’s Hospitals
Citing risks in trucking fresh oxygen across the country, the World Health Organization called for safe passage for emergency oxygen around Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Sweden an inquiry into the government’s response to covid, controversially hands-off at first, found it was slow and misguided.
Legal Fight Over Maine Hotels Used To House Homeless People
In state homelessness news: controversy over housing people in Main hotels after neighbors’ complaints, and in Montana there were warnings over frostbite risks for homeless people during a record-breaking cold snap. In Albuquerque a new homeless shelter will only cater for women.
Warnings Over Falling Accuracy Of Health Care Algorithms
An investigation by Stat and MIT reports that the accuracy of some popular health care algorithms can drift over time, potentially impacting patient care including warnings of impending medical crises. Separately, a science advisory panel called for the overhaul of the U.S. organ transplant system.
Safety Concerns Stop Trial Of RSV Vaccine In Pregnant Women
Enrollment and vaccinations have been halted, drug maker GSK said, but it didn’t clarify reasons why. In other news, researchers found almost no risk of hearing loss after covid vaccination, and data from another study suggests that diabetes diagnoses relating to covid may be a temporary problem.
Australian Study Finds CTE In Over Half Of Deceased Athletes’ Brains
Evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which can affect mental health, was found by the Australian Sports Brain Bank. Separately, a post-mortem of former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan found he had Stage 1 CTE. Personal space, college mental health, and more are also in the news.
Landmark $26 Billion Opioid Deal Finalized With J&J, Distributors
After three years of negotiations, Johnson & Johnson and pharmaceutical wholesalers AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson agree to the payout that will settle around 3,000 lawsuits with many states and local governments. They also accept limits on how they market and distribute addictive pain pills.
Experts Watch Flu Trends For Remainder Of This Season And Next
Flu activity is on the rise in some parts of the U.S., according to CDC tracking. Separately, WHO advisers look ahead to next season’s likely strains that should be included in the vaccine.
With Testing Demands Down, Half Of Free Government Kits Go Unclaimed
In other pandemic response news, some Democratic lawmakers and advocacy group say the White House must increase its funding request. And news outlets look ahead to President Joe Biden’s Tuesday night State of the Union address.
Covid Vaccination Uptake Receding With Omicron
Demand for vaccinations and booster shots is dipping to its lowest levels, even among vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, new research points to the Wuhan animal markets as the origin of the novel coronavirus.
More States Loosening Mask, Vaccine Rules
In the wake of revised recommendations from the CDC, New York City, California and Illinois drop some covid-related requirements. And other states and cities are in the process of considering changes.
New CDC Guidelines Mean Most Americans Can Go Maskless In Public
Under new metrics released by the Biden administration Friday, about 70% of the American population could consider skipping masks in indoor public settings. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky emphasized that the covid situation could shift again but that “we want to give people a break from things like mask wearing when our levels are low, and then have the ability to reach for them again should things get worse in the future.”
