Latest KFF Health News Stories
Analysis: Prices On 7 Common Drugs Raised With No Proof Of New Benefits
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review found price hikes on widely used medicines during 2020 that had no new clinical evidence to justify increases. The unsubstantiated increases cost $1.67 billion in 2020. Meanwhile, Viatris’ insulin biosimilar will be priced at almost the same price as established sellers.
Jackson, Mississippi, In Water Crisis After Treatment Plant Issue
News outlets cover the water problems in Mississippi’s state capital. A worrisome smallpox sample mistake, falling U.S. premature birth numbers, an E coli outbreak and more are also reported.
Doctors In Congress Influence Health Policy
Two looks at the influence politician-doctors have in Congress, including on the surprise medical bill legislation. In other news, drinking water infrastructure, ivermectin, Fauci facing threats and more.
More Court Challenges For Biden Vaccination Mandate
Twelve states have filed a new lawsuit in federal court challenging President Biden’s push to enforce vaccine mandates. The latest suit uses language from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocking the administration’s vaccine mandate. Additional news from Florida, Idaho, New York and Texas on resistance to mandates.
More Covid Surges Reported As Holidays Begin
Right before massive holiday travel, covid infections are again on the rise in many states. But Dr. Anthony Fauci said that families who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should “feel good” about gathering for the holidays this year.
Boosters For All: FDA Prepares To Give Its OK
The FDA is expected to announce that all adults 18 and older can get the Pfizer covid booster, as concerns of a winter surge mount. And the Biden administration plans to spend billions to expand vaccine production with an eye toward sending more vaccines to poor countries.
Pfizer Requests Approval For Antiviral Covid Pill
Pfizer wants the Food and Drug Administration to authorize use of its antiviral pill to treat covid. Meanwhile the federal government plans to buy 10 million courses of the pill at a price of $5 billion.
First Edition: November 17, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Tackling The Health Worker Shortage; Benefits Of Paid Family Leave
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Opinion writers tackle these covid related issues.
Pfizer OKs Covid Pill Production, Cheap Price In Low-Income Nations
Pfizer has announced its antiviral pill can be made and sold inexpensively in 95 poorer nations, where about half the world lives. Separately, Moderna is reported near to a pledge to produce more vaccines for the international COVAX effort.
Nursing Home Covid Outbreak Kills 8 In Connecticut
89 residents and staff in the Geer Village Senior Community have tested positive in the last seven weeks. Meanwhile, food workers in South Dakota and Amazon in California settle disputes over covid outbreaks, prevention and notification.
Biogen’s Top Scientist Unexpectedly Quits
Stat reports that Al Sandrock’s departure from the Alzheimer’s drug-maker is a “surprise.” Sandrock oversaw all research and development and was the “face” of the Aduhelm effort. Meanwhile, the CEO of Emory Healthcare is stepping down.
Another Person Seems To Have Beaten HIV With Their Own Immune System
News outlets cover hopeful news that a second patient may have overcome an HIV infection “naturally,” boosting hope for a future cure for the virus. Other research links depression to heart health risks, plus more frequent ER visits during covid.
If You Have Covid, There’s a 50-50 Chance Your Symptoms Will Linger
Scientists have found that “long covid” may be a problem for at least 50% of people who’ve had the virus. Meanwhile, a National Institutes of Health study on the impacts of covid on children and young adults begins.
Poll: 72% Say Cops Are The Wrong Responders For Mental Health Crises
The Ipsos poll was made on behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In other news, Ohio sues Facebook-owner Meta over misleading the public on how it affects kids and a flu outbreak in the University of Michigan prompts a CDC investigation.
Trial Of Three Biggest Opioid Distributors Begins
The state of Washington seeks $95 billion from McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen. In a separate case, pharmacy chains including CVS and Walgreens argue they were not to blame for the U.S. opioid epidemic.
FDA Pushes For More Covid Testing
The Food and Drug Administration revamped its policies in order, it says, to increase the volume of at-home and point-of-care diagnostic tests. In other news, Dr. Anthony Fauci, age 80, says he won’t retire until covid is licked. And Moderna makes an offer in its vaccine patent dispute with the National Institutes of Health.
Call To Arms Against Vaccine Misinformation ‘Superspreaders’
The Aspen Institute calls for new regulations on social media platforms, stronger, more consistent rules for misinformation purveyors and new investments in authoritative journalism and organizations that teach critical thinking and media literacy.
Push For Vaccine Mandates From Big Labor Unions
Three big labor groups push for vaccine mandates that go beyond what President Joe Biden is advancing.
