Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Could Roe Be Overturned?; Online Medical School Leading To Early Burnout
Editorial pages delve into Roe v. Wade, online medical school and mental health coverage.
Different Takes: Vaccine Verification System Needed; No Major Religion Forbids Covid Vaccine
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
India, World’s Biggest Vaccine Maker, To Resume Covid Exports Next Month
India had stopped exports during a massive surge in covid cases in April. Meanwhile, Thailand’s efforts to vaccinate kids ages 12 to 18 is making headway; Africa’s HIV issues during the pandemic are reported; a German man was accused of murder over a face mask dispute; and more.
Mississippi Data: Hypertension Is Top Underlying Condition In Covid Deaths
The Mississippi Clarion Ledger reports on which underlying conditions were involved in covid deaths in the state, with other cardiovascular issues and diabetes in second and third place. Deaths at Rikers Island jail, Colorado’s obesity rates and more are also in the news.
Gun Deaths Of US Children Rose Dramatically During Pandemic
USA Today reports that for kids ages 11 and younger, gun violence deaths in 2020 were up 50% over the year before. Overall numbers for children were also up for 2021 so far. Separately, the source of a salmonella outbreak affecting more than 125 people across 25 states remains unknown.
Third US Recipient Of Aeson Artificial Heart Is The First-Ever Woman
The procedure to implant the heart made by Carmat was performed at the UofL Health-Jewish Hospital. Although the surgery was the third in the U.S., it’s a first for the device maker: a female recipient. Beyondspring’s lung cancer study, Illumina’s Grail acquisition and bad drug ads are also in the news.
Mergers Of Rural Hospitals Saved Lives, Study Finds
Hospitals that were acquired into larger health systems were associated with greater reductions in mortality for conditions like heart failure, stroke and pneumonia compared to facilities that remained independent, Modern Healthcare reports.
Drugmakers That Raise Prices Too Fast Face Penalties Under Broader Senate Plan
Stat reports a Senate committee signaled it is willing to expand a proposal to penalize pharmaceutical companies that hike drug prices at a quicker rate than inflation. Other news from Capitol Hill covers the Patent Office’s role in generics and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
In Poll, Most Disapprove Of Texas Abortion Restrictions; Abbott Adds More
The Dallas Morning News covers deeper restrictions on abortions in Texas signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, in addition to the recent controversial “heartbeat” law. The Washington Post reports “broad” majorities of Americans oppose that law and the Supreme Court’s reaction to it.
Next Major Abortion Case Will Be Argued Before Supreme Court On Dec. 1
In a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, Mississippi will ask the Supreme Court justice to uphold its law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion and family planning news is also reported from Missouri and New Hampshire.
Veterans Discharged Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Now Eligible For Benefits
Veterans previously given other than honorable discharges from the military due to their sexual orientation are now eligible for full benefits. The Department of Veterans affairs announced the change Monday, noting LGBTQ veterans were not “any less worthy” of care than all other veterans.
White House Initiative Targets Nation’s Homelessness Epidemic
The Biden administration unveiled a new campaign dubbed “House America” that aims to fight the growing wave of Americans without stable housing. News outlets also cover efforts to tackle that crisis in California. Other administration news reports on Afghanistan evacuees, Havana syndrome and HHS’ pandemic response.
Killer Heat In Biden’s Sights With New Plan To Combat Deaths, Danger
News outlets report that heat is now the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S., which is why the president is taking action with a plan that includes new workplace safety rules to prevent deaths and illnesses from extreme heat and heat-related events caused by climate change.
School, Child Care Staff In DC Get Nov. 1 Covid Vaccine Deadline
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, a Democrat, announced the news yesterday. The Nov. 1 date is for full vaccination and eliminates a testing-only option for professionals who interact with kids too young to get shots. Meanwhile a more frequent testing regime was announced for New York City teachers.
Covid Rates Fall In California, Where One County Nears 100% Vaccination
In Marin County, 97.3% of the eligible population has received at least one vaccine dose.
Delta Takes ‘Devastating’ Toll On Rural Communities, Fills Up Hospitals
Health workers serving small towns or remote areas in the South talk about the heartbreaking struggles from this covid surge. Pandemic news also addresses hospitalizations and deaths in Minnesota, Utah, Idaho and Washington, as well as the Nebraska hospital tracker.
Johnson & Johnson Says Its Two-Shot Vaccine Boosts Effectiveness To 94%
The drugmaker reported results for a modified regime for its one-shot covid vaccine, with two doses separated by an eight-week gap. The company also looked at adding a booster shot after the original one-shot vaccine and said it appears even more effective against covid.
Deadliest Outbreak: More Americans Have Died From Covid Than 1918 Flu
The so-called Spanish flu killed 675,000 people in the U.S. over two years starting in 1918. The current death toll from the covid-19 pandemic has now surpassed that number. And is still climbing.
Most Vaccinated Foreign Travelers Will Soon Be Able To Fly To US
The Biden administration announced that international flyers who show proof of full covid vaccination and test negative within 3 days of travel will be able to come to the United States. The policy is targeted to start in November.
