Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: Covid; Alzheimer’s; C. Diff; Guillain-Barré Syndrome; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Nursing Program Enrollments Grew 6% In 2020, Despite Covid
The rise over 2019’s figures for enrollment in U.S. nursing programs was reported alongside data from Temple University in Pennsylvania, which has seen applications up 15% this fall. Nursing shortages and reports on life as a nurse during the pandemic are also in the news.
Psychedelics, Including Magic Mushrooms, Decriminalized In Detroit
Detroit voters passed a proposal yesterday, 61% to 39%, to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi. Stateline reports that Oregon’s moves to decriminalize drugs are spurring progressive lawmakers elsewhere to follow its example. Cancer-causing pollution in Houston is among other news.
American Psychological Association Apologizes For Perpetuating Racism
The APA issued a statement last week admitting it played a role in perpetuating structural racism and apologized that psychology, as a whole field, had harmed people of color for decades. Also: Chicago’s Mercy Hospital, a rural health grant in Nevada, Walmart’s health ambitions and more.
Adults Under 60 Should Get Hepatitis B Vaccine, CDC Panel Recommends
Tens of millions of people, mainly in the 30 to 59 age group, may be advised to get hepatitis B shots (with people below 30 largely covered, after a 1991 decision to vaccinate kids). Separately, scientists uncover why some people have Alzheimer’s-risk brain chemistry, but no dementia.
118,000 More Oklahomans Have Health Insurance After Medicaid Expansion
Expansion of the program took effect at the beginning of July. Nearly 60% of the people approved for benefits through expansion are female, the state said Wednesday.
Britain Is First Country To Approve Molnupiravir, A Pill That Treats Covid
The approval comes amid surging covid infections in the U.K. Elsewhere around the globe, Thursday saw the highest number of new covid cases in Germany since the pandemic’s outbreak, the AP reports, and China is also reported to be locking down Beijing as an outbreak continues.
Scientists Find Covid Can Easily Reach Brain Via Nose, Affect Inner Ear Cells
New research has identified that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can easily reach a person’s brain after being inhaled through the nose, and then “lurk” there, possibly causing long-term neurological problems. The virus can also infect inner ear cells, potentially affecting hearing and balance.
Bad Election Day Spurs Democrats On Spending Bills, But Divides Remain
Worried that this week’s election results are a harbinger of midterm elections to come, Democrats say they will move forward on companion spending bills with renewed urgency. But thorny issues like drug pricing could still throw a wrench in those plans. Politico rounds up what’s made the cut so far, and what still needs to be hashed out.
No Veterans Benefits Guarantee For Military Vaccine Holdouts
The Pentagon is leaving the decision to local commanders about less-than-honorable discharges for troops dismissed over covid vaccines, The Military Times reports. As the Air Force and Space Force deadlines pass, the vast majority are now vaccinated — though over 7,500 service members are seeking exemptions.
Biden: Parents Should Get Their Kids Vaccinated, Shots Approval Is A ‘Relief’
President Joe Biden said newly-approved covid shots for kids ages 5 to 11 were safe, effective and that parents should get their kids vaccinated. Maine’s public health director also pleaded for parents to get their kids the jabs, and Trump’s former surgeon general pointed out the benefits.
What We’ve Lost To Covid: 28 Million Years Of Life, 750,000 Americans Dead
A study of 37 nations estimates the extra years lost in 2020 total 28 million and found a greater decline in life expectancy among males. In the U.S., it fell by about 2.3 years for men, while women lost 1.6 years. Meanwhile, the U.S. covid death toll surpassed 750,000 people.
Rush For Appointments Is On For Parents Eager To Vaccinate Kids
It’s been a long wait for the parents ready to vaccinate their younger kids against covid. Now that federal authorization has been issued, hunting for a shot is the next step.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health concerns.
Different Takes: Why Is Covid More Fatal To Men?; No Evidence Found Of Covid Lab Leak
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
Perspectives: Police Officers Could Save Lives If They Carried Narcan
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Demand Is Exceeding Supply For Wegovy Weight-Loss Injections
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Britain, Still Ravaged By Covid, Worries About A Difficult Winter
The U.K. Parliament has tightened its covid rules amid a covid case surge. England’s deputy chief medical officer also warned the public the pandemic isn’t over and said careful behavior and boosters will be critical in winter. Separately, China’s delta outbreak has hit more provinces than ever.
Facebook Kills Its Facial Recognition System Over Safety Concerns
The social media company will delete data of over a billion users’ face templates. Meanwhile, Dole Fresh Vegetables is recalling garden salads sold in 10 states due to worries over listeria contamination.
