Latest KFF Health News Stories
Michigan Pivots On Pandemic Response
Meanwhile, Kentucky schools shift to outdoor teaching and more trucker protests are planned for California. Recreational pot bills, forever chemicals in Wisconsin, microplastic protections in California and more are also in the news.
Drug Safety Warnings Only Lead To Small Prescribing Drops: Study
A new international study found that when regulators issue drug safety warnings it only leads to modest drops in prescription rates. Separately, the Columbus Dispatch notes that the State Medical Board of Ohio has closed most sexual misconduct complaints reopened after a scandal.
First Anal Sex-Safe Condom Approval By FDA
This is the first time, reportedly due to lack of data, the Food and Drug Administration approved condoms for anal as well as vaginal sex. The move could help combat the spread of HIV. Separately, reports show maternal death rate disparities worsened during the pandemic, and pregnant people were “left behind” during the vaccine push.
Researchers Find Genetic Defects Linked To ALS
The defects were discovered by Stanford and University College London scientists in a molecule that processes and preps RNA. A rise in the extensively drug-resistant Shigella sonnei infections in Europe, and the risk of C Difficile infections from contaminated hospital rooms are also in the news.
Study Shows Guns Now Kill More People Than Other Traumas Do
In other news, D.C. traffic deaths hit a 14-year high; the United Nations warns that wildfires will dramatically rise over the next 80 years with serious human health impacts, and the World Health Organization has formally recognized video game addition.
Federal Judge Blocks Part Of HHS Surprise Billing Rule
In a win for doctors, a federal judge in Texas on Wednesday struck down part of the Biden administration’s regulations, taking issue with its mediation process for hospitals and doctors and insurers to settle disputes over out-of-network medical bills.
Chicago Police Vaccine Mandate Upheld
The Fraternal Order of Police had been “vigorously” fighting the city’s rules, according to AP, but an arbitrator said the mandate stands. Denver is taking a different position and is lifting a shot mandate for municipal employees. And in New York the mayor is keen to end vaccine rules for restaurant visits.
DC Prepares For Trucker Convoys Protesting Vaccine Requirements
The National Guard is preparing to respond to potentially disruptive protests. Meanwhile, lawmakers working on a mental health bill face a ticking clock. And from the Florida capital: the state Senate confirms a controversial surgeon general nominee.
Reopening Concerns Arise Due To Omicron Subvariant
Both Axios and the Wall Street Journal report that highly-infectious omicron, and its new subvariant BA.2, are spurring worries as reopening plans begin to take effect. Meanwhile AP reports on expert warnings that a mass omicron infection is not the same as reaching herd immunity.
New CDC Metrics Coming To Guide Next Phase Of Pandemic Response
A CDC scientist tells CNN that the agency will issue new guidance on how communities can gauge their local virus risk in order to set policies on covid precautions like masks. Dr. Anthony Fauci also says that current indicators could lead to restrictions easing.
CDC Advising Some To Wait 8 Weeks Between Doses Of MRNA Vaccines
In an update to its guidance, the CDC now recommends that some space out their initial two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer covid shots. The latest research shows that the longer interval can boost protection levels and lower the risk of rare side effects. People with weakened immune systems and those 65 and older should stick with the original, shorter schedule.
Sanofi, GSK To Seek Covid Vaccine Approval, Citing 100% Protection Against Hospitalization
Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline is preparing to request regulatory authorization in the U.S. and Europe for their covid vaccine. After setbacks, early data from the late-stage trials showed its two-dose shot was 100% effective against severe illness and hospitalization and 75% effective against moderate disease.
First Edition: February 24, 2022
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Results Of Covid Misinformation; Covid Is Here For The Long Haul
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
Perspectives: New Ideas For Treating Long Term Opioid Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Viewpoints: Texas Takes On Opioids; Gender-Affirming Care Needs Broader Scientific Analysis
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues, as well as a look back on the life of Dr. Paul Farmer.
Three Doses Of Moderna Vaccine Prove Extremely Effective
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Europe Plans To Soften Restrictions For Vaccinated Travelers
In a further sign that the pandemic’s current peak has likely passed, the European Union agreed that member states should relax restrictions placed on incoming foreign visitors. Meanwhile, concerns swell over the covid situation in North Korea, and South Korea reports a huge surge in new cases.
A Cultural Shift In Southeast Could Come From Medical Marijuana
The Mississippi Clarion Ledger reports on progress toward legalizing medical marijuana, and how it may prompt a big change in ideology in the South. Other news includes a Maryland program to help HIV patients pay for meds, and New York City starts its program to clear homeless people from the subway.
Little Progress Made In Stamping Out Racism In Medical Care
A report in Stat covers concerns over inaction over racism in medical care, despite an older, scathing report about its impact on people of different backgrounds. Separately, the World Health Organization released a guide for programs to protect health workers at all levels of the industry.
