Latest KFF Health News Stories
US Land Borders Reopen In November — But Only For Fully-Vaxxed Travelers
The country’s land borders to Mexico and Canada have been mostly closed to international non-essential visits since March 2020, but that will change next month. Travelers will have to be fully vaccinated, however. The exact date for the reopening is yet to be decided.
Covid Numbers May Be Trending Down But Staying Very High Among Kids
CNN reports broadly declining national trends for covid infections but notes that the new case rate among children remains not just high but “exceptionally high.” The Salt Lake Tribune reports that 3,000 Utahns have now succumbed to the disease, with more younger patients dying than before.
FDA Authorizes E-Cigarette Products For First Time
At the same time that the Food and Drug Administration eyes regulations on the vaping industry to curtail youth addiction, the agency has approved three Vuse products, saying that “the potential benefit to smokers who switch completely or significantly reduce their cigarette use, would outweigh the risk to youth.”
Daily Aspirin No Longer Advised To Guard Against Heart Attack, Stroke
Draft guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against people over 60 taking a low-dose or baby aspirin daily. The panel urges all to check with their doctor before stopping, as some — especially younger age groups — may still benefit from an aspirin regimen.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Searching For Origins Of Covid-19; Pathways For Psilocybin Rescheduling
Editorial pages weigh in on these public health issues.
Report Says UK’s Official Covid Responses Killed Thousands Of People
A parliamentary report into the U.K.’s early responses to the pandemic says delaying lockdowns and not prioritizing social care led to thousands of avoidable deaths. Meanwhile, as Russia’s Vladimir Putin coughs his way through a televised meeting, he insists it’s just a cold, not covid.
Having The Flu Sends More Non-White Kids To The Hospital
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the flu is more deadly as a child in America if you are Black, Hispanic or Native American. Meanwhile, reports show that the frequent moves of military postings lead military teens to have higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Study Lays Blame For Around 100,000 US Yearly Deaths On Phthalates
Meanwhile, a study hints a generic drug used to treat hypertension and heart failure may also help prevent brain damage in Alzheimer’s sufferers. Separately, patient backlash over tobacco company Philip Morris’ purchase of asthma drugmaker Vectura in the U.K. may hurt sales.
Anesthesiologists Say UnitedHealth Unfairly Canceling Contracts
According to Modern Healthcare, the American Society of Anesthesiologists says the insurer is canceling contracts at least six months ahead of time, leaving anesthesiologists out of network and paid a fraction of the rates they once received, the group’s president says. The group wants the Justice Department to investigate.
Unions Allowed To Call Strike For Over 20,000 Kaiser Permanente Staff
Members of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals voted 96% to move forward with a strike. News outlets report on other worker and strike matters in health care systems across the country.
With Several Drugs In The Pipeline, Covid Treatments Set To Improve
News outlets report on Merck’s covid antiviral pill, monoclonal antibody treatments from AstraZeneca and other efforts by drugmakers to combat the pandemic. Also in the news: boosters may complicate efforts to persuade vax-hesitant people; nursing home vaccine rates; approving booster shots; and more.
Parents Sue Wisconsin School Districts After Their Children Get Covid
In two separate lawsuits, the parents say their school districts failed to protect their children by refusing to implement covid mitigation strategies recommended by the CDC.
In Washington and North Carolina, Health Worker Vax Rates Reach 90%
But Michigan Medicine still hasn’t worked out how to negotiate a covid vaccine mandate for its staff. In Los Angeles, LAUSD has had to extend the deadline for its vaccine mandate until Nov. 15. And CNN reports on worries mandates will deepen a staffing crisis in Memphis, Missouri.
Texas Governor Orders Ban On Covid Vaccine Mandates, Even For Private Businesses
With his executive order Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, reversed his previous position that employers should have the choice to require employees to be vaccinated for covid.
Supreme Court To Hear Kentucky Attorney General’s Case To Defend State Abortion Law
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, declines to defend a state law banning a common abortion procedure used in the second-trimester — which has been blocked as unconstitutional in court. Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron wants the Supreme Court justices to allow him to do so.
Justice Department Wants Federal Appeals Court To Block Texas Abortion Law
The Biden administration argues that the law — that bans most abortions — is unconstitutional due to its enforcement provisions. “If Texas’s scheme is permissible, no constitutional right is safe from state-sanctioned sabotage of this kind,” the Justice Department wrote. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans say the feds have no legal standing in the case.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages delve into these public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine topics.
