Latest KFF Health News Stories
Snapchat Tries To Limit Kids Buying Drugs Through Its App
News outlets cover moves by social media app Snapchat to limit kids’ access to drug deals on its service, including making it more difficult to target users under 18 by changing its “Quick Add” system. In other news, airlines are stepping up safety and aircraft cleaning to combat covid.
Patient Groups Try Calling Medicare Officials Villains Over Aduhelm Ruling
Politico covers aggressive pushback from drugmakers and patient advocacy groups over the recent decision to strongly limit Medicare coverage of Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm. Meanwhile, Axios says six big health insurers dominate the fast-growing Medicare Advantage market.
Healthy Kids Don’t Need Booster Shots, WHO Asserts
In the face of global vaccine inequality, the World Health Organization says that there is “no evidence” that healthy children and adolescents need booster shots. Meanwhile, a German study says three Pfizer shots may protect people against the omicron variant of covid.
Illegal Supply Network Accused Of Selling Fake Gilead HIV Drugs
Meanwhile, Stat reports that low-cost biosimilar drug provision in the U.S. is being stymied by a “thicket” of patents. Other drug company news includes Bristol Myers Squibb plans, a $3 billion biotech fund aimed at disease “reversal,” and big data’s failure to combat covid.
Pfizer’s Antiviral Pill Works Against Omicron
Paxlovid appears to combat omicron covid, the drugmaker said, effectively working to prevent the virus from replicating. Canada just approved the drug for certain classes of covid patients, but reports from the Bay Area News Group highlight that finding the drug and its rivals remains hard in the U.S.
Genetic Risk Factor May Be Why Some People Lose Sense Of Smell, Taste
A study published Monday said that a genetic “locus” — a fixed position of a gene on a chromosome — near two olfactory genes is associated with covid-induced loss of smell and taste, NBC News reported. This risk factor increases the likelihood a person will lose their sense of smell or taste by 11%, researchers said.
Restrictions On Blood Donations By Gay Men At Issue Amid Shortage
Against the backdrop of a national blood supply crisis, the Biden administration says that a study into the controversial Food and Drug Administration policy is ongoing and acknowledged the historical stigma it has placed on the LGBTQ+ community.
One Year In, Biden’s Health Agenda Hampered By Covid, Divided Congress
Ahead of the anniversary of his inauguration, news outlets review President Joe Biden’s first year in office (Spoiler alert: covid, covid, covid. And Congress.) and look ahead to year two that will include critical midterm elections. Biden will mark the occasion with a press conference.
Omicron Could End Pandemic, Limit Future Covid Severity, Study Shows
Though there are warnings that omicron won’t be the “final” variant of covid, a new study says omicron really could be the final chapter of the pandemic and end the global health emergency since it causes less serious illness and leads to protection against the delta variant.
Still Deadly: Omicron May Kill Tens Of Thousands More Americans By March
Don’t call the variant mild, since even if it does seem to cause less serious symptoms for some people, recent models place its potential impact as causing anywhere between 50,000 and 300,000 more deaths by mid-March. Other data says a million more hospitalizations could happen, too.
Coming Next Week To Your Pharmacy: Free N95 Masks From Uncle Sam
The White House said the masks, which come from the nation’s emergency Strategic National Stockpile, are the largest deployment of PPE in U.S. history. Meanwhile, a mask battle among Supreme Court justices is proof that no office is immune to the debate over face coverings.
Price Gouging And Scams Bedevil Desperate Hunts For Covid Tests
Investigators and lawmakers try to tackle allegations of fraudulent or predatory businesses trying to cash in on the short supply of covid testing supplies during the omicron wave.
You Can Order Free Covid Tests Now As Government’s Beta Website Opens
COVIDtests.gov is set to officially launch mid-morning Wednesday, though the site was quietly made available the day before to identify bugs — which a good number of users reported, particularly those who live in multi-dwelling buildings. Delivery of ordered test kits are expected to begin by the end of the month.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Tonga Tries To Remain Covid-Free As It Recovers From Volcano Blast
A volcanic eruption covered the island in ash and damaged infrastructure. But Tonga has dodged covid and wants to keep the virus out, despite relief efforts. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization says a billion covid shots have been sent to poorer nations.
This Season’s Influenza Surge May Be Ending, But It Isn’t Gone Yet
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said flu is ending but levels were still elevated, and the risk will remain for at least a few more weeks. Separate reports say flu is also fading in Europe. Meanwhile, Moderna said it will launch a combination flu and covid vaccine as soon as late 2023.
China’s Evergrande Fails To Deliver Cash For Covid Research At Harvard
The real estate company had promised millions to Harvard University but has reneged on its promise. Inmate mental health in Georgia, health care in Georgia’s budget, nursing education in Indiana and more are also in the news.
2022 Medicare Advantage Sign Ups Jump 9% On Last Year
Reports say that there’s been an 8.8% rise in Medicare Advantage enrollments, as of Jan. 1, over the same period last year. But while most beneficiaries in Parts A and B are expected to join Advantage plans by next year, the spending may still outpace traditional paid health costs.
