Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion and editorial writers examine these covid, mental health and other topics.
Covid Surging In Parts Of Europe, But CDC Says Flight Ban Unlikely
News outlets report on rises in covid cases in some European countries, called a “second pandemic winter,” with vaccine divides partly blamed. An increase in the “delta plus” covid variant in the U.K. is unlikely to lead to a flight ban though, according to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Melioidosis Outbreak Linked To Bacteria In Aromatherapy Room Spray
Walmart is recalling an essential oil-based aromatherapy room spray after a dangerous bacterial contaminant was found. The bacteria is linked to a recent outbreak of potentially deadly melioidosis. Meanwhile, a study shows people who breastfeed babies may have a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Health Pricing Transparency Doesn’t Lead To Health Pricing Equivalence
A report in Crain’s Detroit Business shows that even with efforts to force health systems to be more transparent about how much they charge for services, prices for the same care can vary up to eight times between hospitals. Truveta, 23andMe, Cerner, MVP Health Care and more are also in the news.
What’s In, What’s Out? Democrats Slash Programs To Near Spending Deal
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that her party is inches away from wrapping up negotiations.
Study: Post-Covid Brain Fog Can Persist For Months For Many Patients
Cognitive side effects from covid infections, even for patients who weren’t hospitalized, can last for months, a study published in JAMA Network Open reveals. Separately, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned against covid complacency.
Study Shows Covid Shots Are Safe — And Linked To Lower Death Rates
CNN reports on a surprising study showing lower death numbers for any cause in the months following taking a covid shot — proving the vaccines are safe, at least. But: correlation is not causation. Other reports say people who got a Johnson & Johnson single-dose jab months ago are in a “rush” for boosters.
Covid Shot For Kids May Be Just Weeks Away After FDA Review Of Pfizer Data
The Food and Drug Administration said Friday that its review of Pfizer’s covid vaccine found it to be highly effective at preventing symptomatic infections in children ages 5 to 11 and causes no unexpected safety issues. Dr. Anthony Fauci expects the shot to be authorized for that age group in November.
Republicans Try New Tactics To Push Back Against Vaccine Mandates
Republican leaders in states like Florida and Texas are taking more steps to fight mandates from the federal government — and even those of other states.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Is Miscarriage A Criminal Offense Now?; The FDA Should Not Have Approved An E-Cigarette
Editorial writers tackle these public health subjects.
Different Takes: Examining Covid Long Haulers’ Plight; LA Needs To Stop Delaying Mandate Enforcement
Opinion writers examine these covid, vaccine and covid related topics.
Ahead Of Winter Olympics, Beijing Begins Rollout Of Booster Shots
China’s capital city is due to host the Winter Olympics in four months, and anyone who received two-dose Chinese vaccines and is “at risk,” which includes Games workers or participants, is eligible for a booster. Separately, a Chinese disinformation campaign blaming Maine lobsters for covid has been revealed.
Oklahoma Issues First Nonbinary Birth Certificate; Governor Issues Threat
Responding to the issuance, Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, said “I believe people are created by God to be male or female. Period.” He added a threat to “take whatever action necessary” to protect his ideals. Meanwhile in Ohio, an anti-trans bill targeting medication for young people is launched.
Lyft’s First Safety Report Reveals 4,000 Sexual Assaults Over 3 Years
Lyft collected data on reports of sexual assaults in its ride share service from 2017 through 2019, and released a long-awaited report Thursday. The numbers represent less than 0.0002% of all the Lyft rides. Separately, worries emerge of potential overdose deaths during a Naxolone shortage.
CDC Says Vaccine Provider Mishandled Flu Shots, Causing 2018 Outbreaks
Health officials determined a three-state wide outbreak in 2018 was caused by third-party vaccine provider Location Vaccination mishandling flu shots and other common vaccines. In other news, reports say Johnson & Johnson had offered a $4 billion settlement over talc injury claims.
Medicare Advantage Plans May Be Exaggerating Sicknesses, CMS Worries
Jonathan Blum, principal deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said CMS was very worried about “code growth” trends. Other reports say the HHS Office of Inspector General determined Tennessee has claimed $1.1 billion uncompensated care fees improperly.
115,000 Health Workers Died From Covid Over 18 Months, WHO Thinks
The World Health Organization estimate of 115,000 global health worker deaths covers the period from January 2020 to May 2021. News outlets cover other covid news, including the death of parents of five children, record hospitalizations in Alaska, high death rates in rural Georgia, and more.
Operators Worry Holiday Season Air Cargo Will Be Hit By Vax Mandates
A report in Politico says a trade group representing companies like UPS and FedEx is worried that President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates will “wreak havoc” among workers at the busiest time of year. But airlines American and Southwest say the mandates likely won’t hit their flight plans in December.
Biden Tells Police Vaccine Holdouts: ‘Yes,’ You Should Be Fired
Speaking at a CNN town hall, President Joe Biden simply said he agreed first responders and police officers who refuse to get covid shots should be fired. Meanwhile, a Chicago police union leader likened the city’s vaccine mandate to the “Hunger Games.”
