Latest KFF Health News Stories
Troubling Signs Point To Covid Advancing Among Unvaccinated
Even in highly vaccinated New England, covid cases are on the rise among unvaccinated residents. The key metric of hospitalizations is also increasing. In Texas, 28 hospitals are out intensive care beds; Michigan hospitalizations spike. The trendlines are even more concerning as Americans prepare to gather for the holidays.
More States Open Booster Shot Access To All Adults
Add Arkansas, West Virginia and New York City to the list of areas that aren’t waiting for federal regulatory approval to allow all residents 18 or older to get a covid vaccine booster. New Jersey’s governor says his state will likely widen eligibility too.
First Edition: November 16, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Hearing Aids Postpone Cognitive Decline; Health Networks Useful To Halt Violence
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Different Takes: Covid’s Negative Impact On Mental Health; What Is The Holdup On Booster Approval?
Opinion writers tackle these covid related topics.
Brazil Beats US In Full-Vaccination; UK Expands Boosters To Over 40s
Though President Jair Bolsonaro has decried vaccines, over 60% of Brazil’s population is now fully immunized — the U.S.’s figure remains at 59%. Meanwhile, in Portugal 98% of eligible people are vaccinated.
Kaiser Permanente Averts Worker Strike In Union Deal
An alliance of unions representing about 50,000 Kaiser Permanente staff agreed to a call off a strike after reaching a deal. Trustee investments, liens, Illinois’ troubled health program and the nursing staff shortage are also in the news.
North Carolina Seeing Rising Need For Mental Health Beds
Meanwhile, in Georgia, lawmakers are moving as a bipartisan group to improve mental health provisions in the state in the wake of the pandemic, trying to lift Georgia from 48th place on the Mental Health America ranking. L.A., Houston, Florida and live music are also in the news.
UK Study Finds It’s Safe To Co-Administer Flu And Covid Shots
The study involved 679 adults across the U.K. and found it was safe to co-administer the two vaccines — potentially freeing up health provider time and effort. Separately, a study linked higher risk of covid infection to non-white races.
Effectiveness Of Covid Vaccines Over Time Examined
Scientists compile evidence on the waning effectiveness of covid vaccines and which ones generate the most antibodies.
More Are Using By-Mail Abortion Pills, Despite Legal Grey Areas
The AP reports on the rise of by-mail abortion pills and how their use in states with anti-abortion laws may fall into legal grey areas. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports on a rise of eating disorders among young boys. Rural pharmacies are in serious decline and a fun study of the infectious diseases James Bond could have got.
Covid Cases Still Not In Decline
Indeed, the seven-day average of new cases is edging back up. And pockets of covid infections are still overwhelming hospitals.
Medicare Premiums Jump Because Of Alzheimer’s Drug
Aduhelm, the Alzheimer’s drug made by Biogen, which costs $56,000 a year, is driving up the overall price that all older Americans pay for Medicare outpatient care. The 14.5% increase is the third-largest percentage increase since 2007.
Slow Rollout Of Booster Shots Questioned
Governors of California, Colorado and New Mexico are going beyond the CDC recommendations and encouraging covid vaccine booster doses for all adults.
Health Measures In Spending Bill Wouldn’t Kick In Until After Midterms
As Democrats return to another work week dominated by efforts to finalize a deal on the social and safety net spending bill, those efforts may not help them much in the upcoming 2022 elections.
DeSantis Continues Battle Against Vaccine Mandates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the state legislature to block vaccine mandates, with penalties against businesses and local governments that require covid shots.
It’s Califf: Biden Finally Taps Nominee To Head FDA
Former Food and Drug Commissioner Robert Califf is up again for his old job. President Joe Biden’s nomination has been met with criticism by some advocacy groups, but news outlets report that Califf is expected to be confirmed.
Appeals Court Halts OSHA Vaccine Mandates
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is blocking the OSHA vaccine mandate for employers of 100 or more people. The issue is expected to make its way to the Supreme Court.
First Edition: November 15, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages delve into these public health issues.
