Latest KFF Health News Stories
Global Bellwethers Signal Winter Covid Tidal Wave Likely On Way To US
There’s some good news from South Africa, which has so far found omicron cases to be milder than delta. But experts say the variant’s quick spread in places like the United Kingdom should serve as a warning sign for the U.S. of a potential wave that could be a back-breaker for health care systems.
New York Mandates Masks Indoors Except Places With Vax Requirement
The mandate, which starts today and is in effect until Jan. 15, applies to all patrons and staff in public places. And starting Tuesday in New York City, children ages 5 to 11 will be required to have proof of vaccination for most indoor activities.
Fauci Denies US Policies On Vaccines Are Imperiling Undeveloped Nations
President Joe Biden’s top medical adviser says the U.S. is “very well aware of the issue with equity” and is working hard to provide millions of doses of vaccine to poorer countries. In other news, concerns remain about U.S. military members who won’t get the shot, and demand for boosters increases in Texas as omicron shows up.
Third Pfizer Shot Restores Protection Against Omicron: Studies
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency says its real-world study found that a third vaccine shot delivers 70-75% protection against severe covid from the omicron variant. Other studies confirm booster benefits, while also determining that just two shots drastically drops efficacy. News outlets report on the flood of data emerging.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Supreme Court Allows Texas Abortion Law To Stand While Legal Challenges Play Out
The Supreme Court justices ruled that Texas abortion providers can sue over the state’s ban on most abortions but allowed the law to remain in effect during those challenges.
Viewpoints: Trees Provide Numerous Health Benefits; FDA Should Open Up Access To Abortion Pill
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Different Takes: Herd Immunity Now Unachievable; Analyzing The Data On Omicron
Opinion writers examine these covid issues.
Covid Surge May Be Flattening In Europe
While Bloomberg notes many EU nations may be seeing signs the latest burst of covid infections is coming to an end, reports also note that in the U.K., omicron covid may be spreading faster than in its origin country South Africa, with case counts expected to hit 60k a day by Christmas.
Obamacare Enrollment Rises In Texas And Florida
Open enrollment’s fifth week saw around 4.6 million new sign-ups, which is up 20% in Texas and 9% in Florida versus the same period last year. The reason? Increased subsidies from the American Rescue Plan. Nursing home assaults, naloxone, legal marijuana and more are also in the news.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on omicron, cancer, writing a will, fitness trackers, Bob Dole, Donald Trump and more.
Met Museum Expunges Sackler Name From Exhibition Spaces
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has chosen to remove the Sackler family name from seven exhibition spaces over potential links to the opioid crisis. A new bill, passed in the Senate, will try to reduce opioid abuse in rural communities. J&J, Bayer, Google and more are also in the news.
AMA, AHA Sue Govt., Saying Surprise Billing Arbitration Favors Insurers
The two lobbying groups are challenging a Biden administration decision on exactly how surprise billing negotiations will work to shield patients from unexpected bills. Revenue hits in the health care industry, hospital closures, CVS’ expansion into primary care and more are also reported.
Men Who Vape Nicotine Have Twice Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction: Study
The results were found to hold true even for men (ages 20 to 65) who had no other health concerns or habits linked to ED. Separately, the Boston Globe reports on efforts to boost Medicaid coverage periods for new mothers to help tackle the high maternity death rate in the U.S.
Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Seeking To Block Air Travel Mask Mandate
The lawsuit had tried to argue against the federal air travel mask rule citing medical reasons but was dismissed Thursday by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. Meanwhile, Amtrak executives said federal covid vaccine mandates mean it may lack staff to operate all its trains in January.
Texas Judge Say Controversial Abortion Law Violates State Constitution
The Texas law, which bans abortions after six weeks and relies on private citizens to enforce the prohibitions, is also being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
2020’s Jump In Life Insurance Payouts Biggest Since 1918’s Flu Epidemic
In 1918 U.S. life insurer’s death payouts jumped 41% due to the flu and, though smaller than that, in 2020 death benefits surged up 15.4%, mostly due to the pandemic. The Washington Post covers the long-term career damage long covid is causing. Other covid news, including surges, are also reported.
Indiana Hospitals At Capacity Seek National Guard Help
Thirteen hospitals were reported to be at capacity with both covid and non-covid cases, and “several” more are expected to fill next week, so the local National Guard has been called in. Meanwhile, a nursing shortage in Kentucky has reached emergency levels, according to the governor.
Is Tailor-Made Vaccine For Omicron Needed? Experts Debate
Count Dr. Anthony Fauci among the health experts who are not yet sure an omicron-specific jab is necessary. And while some vaccine makers plan revamped versions, others think boosters of the original vaccines could be best.
Teens Ages 16-17 Can Now Get Pfizer Booster Shots
“Mixing and matching” is not an option for this group because Pfizer’s vaccine is the only one cleared for use in children under 18. At least six months must have passed since receiving a second Pfizer jab.
