Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Pfizer Asks FDA For Authorization To Vaccinate Kids Ages 5 To 11 Against Covid
Pfizer’s application will be welcome news to many anxious parents, as the number of pediatric cases climb in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration says it will quickly act on the application, with a meeting tentatively scheduled for Oct. 26. If that timing holds, the shot will not be available to kids until November.
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Opinion writers tackle covid burnout, how to defeat the coronavirus and vaccinating while pregnant.
Africa To Get Moderna Vaccine Factory
Meanwhile, as Cuba sells its covid vaccine, worries emerge over who’ll buy it without World Health Organization approval. Separately, AP reports that the WHO is working to get covid medical supplies into North Korea, possibly indicating the secretive nation is seeking outside help.
Lead In Michigan Town’s Water Supply Forces Switch To Bottles — Again
Meanwhile, residents in Newark, New Jersey, remain unconvinced lead levels are safe five years after high levels were found in 30 schools’ water systems. Opioid settlement money in Louisiana, postpartum Medicaid benefits, black lung, school violence and more are also in the news.
Under Pressure On Safety, Facebook Delays Rolling Out New Products
News outlets report on Facebook’s response to scrutiny from lawmakers after testimony from a whistleblower. Separately, Snapchat publicly addressed purchases by young users of fentanyl-laced fake pills, and launched a new tool to connect users to substance abuse experts.
The Cost Of Cancer: Over $156 Billion Each Year, Thanks To Drug Prices
A study found the 15 most common types of cancer cost the U.S. around $156.2 billion annually. Separately, pandemic delays to cancer surgery were a global problem, with 15% of people putting off surgery in lockdowns. Breast cancer, a cancer “super-enhancer” and more are also in the news.
Chemistry Nobel Awarded For Eco-Friendly Catalyst Discovery
In other news, antibiotic-resistant infections were found to disproportionately affect older Americans; a patent lawsuit delays a Botox competitor; and the former CEO of grocery chain Safeway testified in the ongoing trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes.
Health Care Industry Deals Went Mega-Scale This Year
Modern Healthcare reports that although fewer hospital mergers and acquisitions happened in 2021 than before, a high percentage of giant-sized transactions took place. The American Hospital Association is also reported to be urging Congress to stop upcoming cuts to Medicare.
LA Will Require Proof Of Vaccination Almost Everywhere Indoors
People who have no proof or have an exemption can still enter a business briefly to use the restroom or pick up a takeout order, according to the ordinance. The law is set to go into effect Nov. 4.
More US Kids Lost A Key Caregiver To The Pandemic Than Previously Thought
AP reports that more than 120,000 children lost a primary caregiver during the pandemic, potentially a higher figure than estimated. Black and Hispanic American kids were disproportionately affected. Separate reports say covid is now the leading cause of death among police officers.
Rare Cases Of Heart Inflammation Alter Some Nations’ Vaccine Protocols
The list of countries only administering one dose of the covid vaccine to adolescents is growing. The move is in response to the rare cases where a youngster develops myocarditis after a second shot. Meanwhile, Sweden and Denmark have halted use of Moderna’s jab for those under 30. Other vaccine rollout developments are in the news.
At FDA, Rifts Grow Over Booster Shots As Leadership Tug Of War Plays On
Meanwhile, sources have told Politico that the Biden administration is closing in on a nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
Biden Invests $1 Billion To Make At-Home Covid Testing Easier, Cheaper
The White House says its big purchase will quadruple access to rapid at-home tests by the end of the year. American demand for such kits has outpaced supply.
Texas Appeals Judge’s Temporary Block Of Law Banning Most Abortions
In a sharply worded opinion, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman barred enforcement of the restrictive law, saying “From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution.” The state of Texas quickly appealed for an emergency stay of Pitman’s ruling.
WHO Endorses A Malaria Vaccine For The First Time
GlaxoSmithKline’s RTS,S vaccine, known as Mosquirix, is also the first vaccine recommended for use by the World Health Organization to combat a parasitic disease. There are hurdles ahead though: the four-dose regimen raises logistical challenges, while questions remain over who will pay for it.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Alzheimer’s; Phage Therapy; Food Allergies; Covid; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Medicaid Fix In Nonexpansion States Needed; Ideas For Treating Addiction In Tennessee
Editorial writers weigh in on these various public health topics.
