Latest KFF Health News Stories
Top Scientist Says Covid Came From Animals At Wuhan Market, Not Lab
Dr. Michael Worobey, from the University of Arizona, is an expert in tracing viral evolution. In a paper published in Science, he contends the World Health Organization’s inquiry into the pandemic origin is wrong, and covid did not come from a lab.
‘Scary’ Covid Surges Reported Across The US
Covid cases are also climbing in hot spots like New Mexico and Minnesota, while areas in Texas report grim death numbers.
First Edition: November 19, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
HHS Rolls Back Nondiscrimination Waivers Allowed By Trump Admin
Other news out of the Biden administration is on FDA future, military health and water safety. Plus, Joe Biden is scheduled for the first physical of his presidency.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health concerns.
Opinion writers delve into these covid and vaccine concerns.
Covid Climbing Globally, But Only Europe Sees Deaths Rise
Data show covid cases continue to rise around the world, but the World Health Organization has singled out the European region as being the only one where deaths are up. News outlets report on European nations’ responses.
‘Fully’ Vaxxed In New Mexico Includes Booster Shots, Says Governor
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, went beyond federal guidance and said three shots are needed to be considered fully vaccinated against covid. Covid misinformation, vaccine outreach services, diabetes amputations and more are also in the news.
Biogen Indicates EU Won’t Approve Alzheimer’s Drug
A report in the New York Times notes Biogen may not be expecting drug reviewers in the European Union to approve its Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm — already approved, controversially, in the U.S. Meanwhile Aetna sues covid testing companies, and more.
Antibody Drugs Prove Effective As Protection Against Covid Breakthrough Cases
Reports say monoclonal antibodies reduce risk of hospitalization by 77%, and that AstraZeneca’s antibody drug offers 83% protection over six months against covid. Meanwhile, science shows masks are the single most effective anti-covid public health measure. Also reports on covid antibody protection, Roma DNA and coronavirus in deer.
Rare Monkeypox Reported In Maryland; Worrying Flu Outbreak In Michigan
A second case of monkeypox was reported in the U.S. this year. The University of Michigan is hit hard by a flu outbreak. Meanwhile, head lice continue to be an issue despite the social distancing covid brought.
States Boost Mental Health Services
News outlets cover moves to improve mental health services in Massachusetts and North Carolina. The arguments used in the Rittenhouse shooting trial have mental health experts worried. Meanwhile covid anxieties were the same all around the world.
Futzing Continues On Drug Pricing Efforts
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gave drug makers six more months to comply with a drug pricing regulation while Congress is still mulling changes in drug-pricing legislation. Air ambulance companies aren’t happy about surprise billing law and are suing.
Florida Republicans Hobble Vaccine Mandate
Florida’s legislature makes it much harder for employers to enforce vaccine mandates. But in Idaho, its legislature failed to take similar action. Meanwhile, the NFL set news rules for players and other personnel on masking and people embarking on Disney cruises will need proof of vaccination.
Here We Go Again: Severe Covid Cases Ticking Back Up
Even before Thanksgiving travel kicks into high gear, covid cases — and hospitalizations — are on the upswing in more places, like New England.
FDA Moves Closer To Boosters For All Adults
With studies showing waning efficacy of initial covid vaccines, the federal government is moving closer to recommending boosters for all adults. It is behind several states that now allow them.
Fatal Overdoses Reach All-Time High, Fueled By Fentanyl And Pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 100,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose in one year for the first time ever. Access to fentanyl — that people are sometimes unaware they are taking — and the isolation of the covid pandemic are blamed for the rise. And next year’s figures are expected to be even worse.
Moderna Wants All Adults To Get Its Booster Shot
Moderna wants all adults to get a booster with its covid vaccine. It made a formal request to the FDA, and approval may even come this week.
First Edition: November 18, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Why Is The Drug Pricing Debate So Fraught Despite Popularity?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
