Latest KFF Health News Stories
Different Takes: Is Personalized Medicine The Future?; Tackling American Maternal Health Issues
Editorial pages weigh in on these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Why Are Pregnant Women Declining The Vaccine?; Will We Ever See The Pandemic End?
Opinion writers take on these covid issues.
Inflation Fears, Pharma Interests Could Alter Drug Pricing Measures
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Mexico To Finally Give Covid Shots To Younger Teenagers
Bloomberg reports that although Mexico is “behind regional peers,” it’s now going to give shots to teens ages 15 to 17, and some minors will even get shots in the U.S. A global push for school meals, covid peaks and restrictions in Europe, and more are also in the news.
North Carolina Sues Juul Over Marketing To Kids
The state’s attorney general began an investigation into e-cigarette maker Puff Bar and also sued Juul Labs founders over allegations they personally were involved in marketing products to younger users. Ivermectin is also in the news again. And the District of Columbia will drop its mask requirement.
Alzheimer’s Vaccine Delivered By The Nose Enters Human Trials
The first human trial will begin in Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Also, a study says morning cups of tea and coffee could be linked with lower risk of dementia.
Preventing Some Covid Deaths As Simple As Sending A Text, Study Finds
Automated text messages to check up on how adult covid outpatients were doing lowered the death rate by 68% compared to controls. Separately, the Infectious Diseases Society of America has provided study-based advice for PPE use by health workers.
Poll: 60% Say Right To Abortion Should Be Continued
While patients in Texas feel the immediate fallout from that state’s new restrictions, California begins making plans for the influx of women from other states seeking abortions. And U.S. Catholic bishops debate giving communion to politicians who support abortion rights.
Analysis: Prices On 7 Common Drugs Raised With No Proof Of New Benefits
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review found price hikes on widely used medicines during 2020 that had no new clinical evidence to justify increases. The unsubstantiated increases cost $1.67 billion in 2020. Meanwhile, Viatris’ insulin biosimilar will be priced at almost the same price as established sellers.
Jackson, Mississippi, In Water Crisis After Treatment Plant Issue
News outlets cover the water problems in Mississippi’s state capital. A worrisome smallpox sample mistake, falling U.S. premature birth numbers, an E coli outbreak and more are also reported.
Doctors In Congress Influence Health Policy
Two looks at the influence politician-doctors have in Congress, including on the surprise medical bill legislation. In other news, drinking water infrastructure, ivermectin, Fauci facing threats and more.
More Court Challenges For Biden Vaccination Mandate
Twelve states have filed a new lawsuit in federal court challenging President Biden’s push to enforce vaccine mandates. The latest suit uses language from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocking the administration’s vaccine mandate. Additional news from Florida, Idaho, New York and Texas on resistance to mandates.
More Covid Surges Reported As Holidays Begin
Right before massive holiday travel, covid infections are again on the rise in many states. But Dr. Anthony Fauci said that families who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should “feel good” about gathering for the holidays this year.
Boosters For All: FDA Prepares To Give Its OK
The FDA is expected to announce that all adults 18 and older can get the Pfizer covid booster, as concerns of a winter surge mount. And the Biden administration plans to spend billions to expand vaccine production with an eye toward sending more vaccines to poor countries.
Pfizer Requests Approval For Antiviral Covid Pill
Pfizer wants the Food and Drug Administration to authorize use of its antiviral pill to treat covid. Meanwhile the federal government plans to buy 10 million courses of the pill at a price of $5 billion.
First Edition: November 17, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Tackling The Health Worker Shortage; Benefits Of Paid Family Leave
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Opinion writers tackle these covid related issues.
Pfizer OKs Covid Pill Production, Cheap Price In Low-Income Nations
Pfizer has announced its antiviral pill can be made and sold inexpensively in 95 poorer nations, where about half the world lives. Separately, Moderna is reported near to a pledge to produce more vaccines for the international COVAX effort.
Nursing Home Covid Outbreak Kills 8 In Connecticut
89 residents and staff in the Geer Village Senior Community have tested positive in the last seven weeks. Meanwhile, food workers in South Dakota and Amazon in California settle disputes over covid outbreaks, prevention and notification.
