Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial pages delve into telehealth and tackling racial inequities in health care.
Different Takes: Vaccine Ambassadors Prove Successful; Breaking Down Booster Questions
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine topics.
Everyone In Austria Must Get A Covid Shot
The lockdown is the first in Europe since the spring. And the vaccine for-all mandate is the first on the continent. A fast-spreading delta variant in the U.K., partial lockdowns in Germany and Greece, syringe exports from India and more are also in the news.
Instagram’s Impact On Kids To Be Investigated By Coalition Of State Attorneys
Other state news stories report on the opioid epidemic, drinking water quality, vaping, Medicaid, cannabis and more.
Johnson & Johnson Reveals Its Drug-Development Plans
J&J’s overhaul will see it tackling conditions like lung cancer, eye disease, RSV and more. A top company scientist said J&J expects multi-billion-dollar income from new drugs by 2025. Separately, CVS will close 900 stores across the U.S.
Overcrowded Hospitals Linked To Excess Deaths In Pandemic Times
Over-capacity hospitals during the pandemic are linked to excess deaths. Anosmia, the loss of the sense of smell, caused by covid is studied.
People In Need Will Be Able To Text New Suicide Prevention Hotline
The FCC voted to include text messaging into the technology driving the 988 number which will arrive next year. The long wait to see a therapist, covid-related surges in helpline calls, pandemic-era mental health of Black Americans and more are also reported.
Black Americans More Likely To Die From Treatable Health Conditions
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund sees wide racial disparities in treatments leading to higher rates of death among Black people. The return of head lice, more problems with a sleep apnea device and that wasn’t deadly smallpox in those vials in the Pennsylvania lab.
House Passes $2 Trillion Spending Bill With Big Health Measures
Democrats passed the education, health care and climate bill with a slim majority today. Congressional divide may also nix any marijuana liberalization legislation.
Vaccinations Among Hospital Employees Stalled
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 70% of hospital health care workers are vaccinated against covid. The percentage is highest among those working in children’s hospitals and as low as 65% at hospitals in non–metropolitan urban counties. Also, more news on vaccine mandates.
Dr. Anthony Fauci recommends boosters for all adults although many states are already allowing it and urging it. Also, a new debate is emerging: is there a new definition for “fully vaccinated”?
FDA Approves Both Moderna, Pfizer Booster Shots For All Adults
The Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots of the two mRNA covid vaccines approved in the U.S. for all adults 18 or older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must still give its OK. In other vaccine news, news outlets report on efforts to free-up intellectual property rights.
Top Scientist Says Covid Came From Animals At Wuhan Market, Not Lab
Dr. Michael Worobey, from the University of Arizona, is an expert in tracing viral evolution. In a paper published in Science, he contends the World Health Organization’s inquiry into the pandemic origin is wrong, and covid did not come from a lab.
‘Scary’ Covid Surges Reported Across The US
Covid cases are also climbing in hot spots like New Mexico and Minnesota, while areas in Texas report grim death numbers.
First Edition: November 19, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
HHS Rolls Back Nondiscrimination Waivers Allowed By Trump Admin
Other news out of the Biden administration is on FDA future, military health and water safety. Plus, Joe Biden is scheduled for the first physical of his presidency.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health concerns.
Opinion writers delve into these covid and vaccine concerns.
Covid Climbing Globally, But Only Europe Sees Deaths Rise
Data show covid cases continue to rise around the world, but the World Health Organization has singled out the European region as being the only one where deaths are up. News outlets report on European nations’ responses.
‘Fully’ Vaxxed In New Mexico Includes Booster Shots, Says Governor
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, went beyond federal guidance and said three shots are needed to be considered fully vaccinated against covid. Covid misinformation, vaccine outreach services, diabetes amputations and more are also in the news.
