Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Different Takes: Real-Life Impact Of Covid On Nurses; People Are Weary Of Covid Restrictions
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
AstraZeneca Booster Effective Against Omicron; Sinovac’s 3 Doses Aren’t
Oxford scientists, Reuters reports, have found that a booster shot (completing a 3-dose course) of AstraZeneca’s covid shot tackles omicron variant covid. But Bloomberg reports on research showing a 3-dose course of China’s Sinovac vaccine doesn’t produce enough antibodies to combat omicron.
Texas Abortion Providers Push For Fast Appeals Case Hearing
Abortion providers are trying to avoid the delay of moving their case against the state’s abortion laws to the Texas Supreme Court, and want instead to be heard by a district judge. Separately, Ohio’s governor signed a “born alive” bill, which threatens to shutter the last providers in Dayton and Cincinnati.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid, breast cancer, schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, tornado safety and more.
Body Positivity Website Tries To Reduce Stress Of Medical Weigh-Ins
Free “Don’t Weigh Me” cards are being distributed by More-Love.org. Among other health industry news, a group of surgeons is suing UnitedHealth and Aetna, Envision is facing a lawsuit over its role in California EDs, and an apparent cyberattack took down Maryland’s Health Department, including its covid data.
Testing Begins Of Vaccine Against Aggressive Breast Cancer
In other news, the fallout from the conviction of a U.S. researcher for Chinese university ties continues; the contentious decisions facing the Food and Drug Administration; the near future of Alzheimer’s drug maker Biogen; and jurors taking time off in the Elizabeth Holmes trial.
More Colleges Move Online For January; College Football Is Reeling
News outlets report more educational establishments have chosen to shift to remote learning when the spring term starts, in the face of covid outbreaks. Other reports say college football is in “chaos” over game forfeits due to the pandemic, and the potential impact of omicron surges on the championship.
Chicago, Boston, DC Get Vax Passport Rules; Utah Wants To Ban Them
In Chicago and Boston, proof of vaccination will be needed to access indoor spaces like gyms and restaurants. In D.C., people older than 12 will have to show a covid card to enter many businesses. But Utah lawmakers introduced bills aimed at banning “discrimination” over vax status.
Biden’s Vaccine Mandates To Get Special Supreme Court Hearing On January 7
In an unusual action, the Supreme Court scheduled the out-of-session hearing in response to an emergency request to sort through conflicting lower court rulings on federal vaccine requirements that impact millions of health workers and private employers.
Biden Expresses Regret Over Not Escalating Testing Program Months Ago
As his administration tries to work out the logistics of buying and distributing enough covid tests to help combat the winter surge, President Joe Biden admits that they should have made the move sooner. He also touched on how his personal health could impact his 2024 campaign plans.
Just Days Aboard, Cruise Disrupted After Rapid Covid Outbreak
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship was denied entry in Curacao and Aruba after at least 55 fully vaccinated crew members and passengers contracted covid after just a few days at sea. Other reports on the virus’ spread come from Illinois and Texas.
WHO Says Booster Shots May Slow Pandemic, But Omicron May Hasten It
CNBC reports on critical opinions from the World Health Organization over booster programs, which may slow the end of the pandemic as poorer nations struggle with initial vaccine rollouts. But a different report says omicron covid, now sweeping the world, could actually speed the end of covid.
National Guard Called To Help Understaffed Nursing Homes
Also, the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent 20 first responders to UVM Medical Center in Vermont to help tackle “record” patient numbers, many suffering from severe covid. Other news outlets cover the strain on medical staff and the ongoing impacts of covid on the industry.
Expert: Against Omicron, Most Cloth Masks Are Just ‘Fashion Accessories’
It’s time to upgrade your mask if you’re using just a cloth covering because they don’t have to meet any kind of health standard, says Trish Greenhalgh, professor of primary health care services at the University of Oxford. “They can be really good or really terrible,” depending on what fabric is used.
More Research Points To Less-Severe Covid Cases From Omicron
Though the virus is highly transmissible, separate research groups in South Africa, England and Scotland — places where the omicron variant quickly took hold — have each found that infections are less severe than delta. But the sheer number of people who are likely to catch the virus may increase hospitalization stats.
Enrollment In ACA Plans Hits Record High
With still another month before the enrollment window closes, a record 13.6 million have signed up for a 2022 health insurance plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The previous high was 12.7 million in 2016.
First At-Home Covid Treatment Approved: FDA Authorizes Pfizer Pill
Approval of an at-home medication cocktail is viewed as a milestone in the fight against covid. Pfizer’s twice-a-day pill is taken in combination with a generic antiviral and was authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration for people 12 and up. The next hurdle to treating more patients will be increasing supply.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. Look for it again in your inbox on Jan. 4. Happy holidays from all of us at KHN!
Viewpoints: Worrisome Flu Vaccine Rate Drop; Mailed Abortion Pills Won’t Be Available To Everyone
Editorial writers look into these public health issues.
