Latest KFF Health News Stories
Different Takes: Examining Racial Bias In eGFR Testing; Could We See The End Of Roe?
Editorial writers tackle these various public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Understaffing Worries In Georgia Psych Units; Mainers Have ‘Climate Anxiety’
Georgia Health News reports on concerns over patients left “in limbo” for days in an ER because of staffing shortages at state psychiatric units. In Maine, therapists are reporting that more locals have climate-based mental health issues. In Montana, students report the highest-ever depression rates.
Unvaxxed Foreign Children Exempt From 7-Day Quarantine, CDC Says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an amended order to explain the rules after concerns were raised about incoming foreign visitors. In South Africa, an oral covid vaccine from U.S.-listed company Oramed has been given permission for clinical trials on patients.
Though Cigarette Sales Surged With Pandemic, They’re Reported Down Now
A report covered by Fox News says that although U.S. cigarette sales were slightly up for the first time in 20 years during the pandemic, total industry purchases fell 6.5% in the last quarter from 2020’s figures. Separately, reports link Western diet with cognitive decline in a mice-based study.
‘Dozens’ Of Unqualified Florida Doctors Sought Emergency Licenses In Alaska
An investigation conducted at the request of the Alaska State Medical board showed dozens of unqualified Floridian doctors tried to get emergency medical licenses this year, some aided by a Chile-based company. Some actually were licensed before the oversight was discovered.
Judge Rules Govt. Wrong For Trying To Force Drugmakers To Discount Prices
The U.S. government had warned a list of manufacturers, including Eli Lilly, that they would be breaking the law by ending discounts to a program sending drugs to facilities in mainly low-income areas — but this was deemed wrong by a federal court judge. CVS, PBMs, Purdue, Aduhelm and Biomet are also in the news.
Wanted: Used Crutches, Walkers And Canes As Supply Chain Shortages Grow
In Utah, South Carolina, Kentucky and elsewhere, hospitals are requesting donations of gently used medical equipment.
Delaying Vax Mandate Would Be A ‘Big Mistake,’ Biden Official Warns
The White House recently indicated it might be more flexible with its deadlines, due in some part to pushback from companies worried about staffing shortages during the holiday season. But the Commerce Secretary doesn’t think there should be a delay. Meanwhile, thousands of New York City workers, including 2,000 firefighters, will likely be off the job today as the local vaccine deadline arrives.
Democrats Close To Deal To Keep Drug Cost Reductions In Spending Bill
A deal to curb prescription drug prices as part of President Joe Biden’s spending bill could go ahead as soon as today, as talks on the compromise provisions in the package continued. News outlets also report on the future of paid leave, which still seems to be cut out of the $1.75 trillion spending plans.
Delta Surge Appears To Be Past Its Peak
New covid case numbers in the U.S. are close to levels recorded near this time last year, the Wall Street Journal reports. In other news, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tests positive for covid, but the exposure risk to President Joe Biden has been deemed low.
FDA Needs More Time To Review Moderna Covid Shot For Adolescents
Approval to administer the Moderna mRNA vaccine to those ages 12 to 17 may not come until January, as the Food and Drug Administration tells Moderna that it’s pushing out the timeline in order to review more data about the rare risks of heart inflammation.
Final CDC Decision On Pfizer Vaccine For Younger Kids Expected This Week
It would be the last hurdle before children ages 5 to 11 could start receiving the covid shot, after the Food and Drug Administration signed off Friday. Because of the smaller doses, logistics for this rollout will be more complex than for adults. So the White House is warning parents that it may take time.
Listen Live As High Court Hears Arguments On Texas’ Abortion Law
The proceedings begin at 10 a.m. ET and various news outlets are streaming. The public hearing, which will cover two challenges to the new Texas law, could reveal larger clues about the future of abortion access across the U.S.
World Has Lost At Least 5 Million People To Covid
While it’s likely a vast undercount, the official pandemic death toll surpassed 5 million. “When we get out our microscopes, we see that within countries, the most vulnerable have suffered most,” an infectious disease specialist told the AP.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Antibiotic Market Needs New And Better Options; SB 8 Affecting More Than Just Texas
Editorial pages weigh in on these public health issues.
Different Takes: An Epidemiologist Talks About Vaccinating Children; Examining Long Covid
Opinion writers tackle these covid, vaccine and masking topics.
Trying To Quit Smoking In England? Your Doctor May Prescribe E-Cigarettes
In the U.S., the future of vaping and e-cigarettes is under official review, but reports say England may be the first country to actually prescribe e-cigarettes to people trying to quit regular cigarette smoking. AI in medical devices and the $23 billion cost to fight covid globally are also reported.
Amid Legal Issues, Louisiana Nursing Home Magnate Lays Off 1,000 Workers
Bob Dean has laid off around 1,000 workers as his licenses to run nursing homes remain revoked by the Louisiana Department of Health due to controversies over deaths during Hurricane Ida. Meanwhile, a Texas nurse who fatally injected four patients with air has been sentenced to death.
