Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: Pandemic Spurs Growth In Mental Health Treatments; Promising New Drugs For Depression
Editorial writers tackle a variety of public health topics.
Different Takes: What We Are Learning About Long Covid?; What The Science Says About Booster Shots
Opinion writers take on these covid and vaccine issues.
Perspectives: Generic Drugs Are Too Expensive, Too
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
FDA, Some Senators Voice Concern Over Drug-Patenting Process
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Study Warns Of Pandemic Risks From Thousands Of Other Coronaviruses
A study emphasizes risks of future pandemics from hundreds of thousands of people infected yearly by coronaviruses from animals. Meanwhile, the U.K. government has set out its winter covid plan, including boosters for the over 50s, and Mexico finishes a three month border area vaccine push.
DHS Pressed On Afghan Evacuee Plans So Hospitals Aren’t Strained
The Washington Post reports Virginia’s two senators are calling for the Biden administration to improve planning and coordination for Afghan evacuees needing medical attention, with some hospitals over-stretched by covid surges and evacuees. Separate reports highlight measles cases in some evacuees.
Study Links Vaping With Eating Disorder Risks Among College Students
A study says recent vaping or e-cigarette use was linked to an increased risk of eating disorders. And in Alaska, the third and fourth known cases of Alaskapox have been reported. Another report says two new human West Nile virus cases have been found in Massachusetts.
Data Hints Covid Vax Efficiency Fades, At Different Rates For Different Shots
Politico reports on unpublished data from Israel showing vaccine efficiency against covid infection falling over time, and how this impacted Biden administration plans for boosters. Axios highlights that Moderna’s mRNA shot keeps its effectiveness for longer than Pfizer’s one.
Theranos Whistleblower Says Company Used Employees’ Blood For Tests
A witness from Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes’ trial said the startup paid employees for blood to verify test performance. Testimony also said Holmes deliberately misled investors, partners and patients on the technology’s promise. Also: The cost of covid, Boston Children’s hospital and more.
NBA Players Won’t Be Required To Get Covid Shots This Season
Facing pressure from the players’ union, the NBA said it won’t be pursuing a vaccine mandate. Data says about 85% of players already have the shot. Separately, the Buffalo Bills will require proof of vaccines from fans at NFL games. Meanwhile, six New Orleans Saints coaching staff have covid.
HHS Takes Control Of Antibody Drugs, Will Send To Areas With Covid Surges
News outlets report the Department of Health and Human Services says providers won’t be able to order their own monoclonal antibody supplies, and instead they’ll be shared centrally based on case numbers. Separately, a study says long covid affects 1 in 10 kids infected in Israel.
New York’s Medical Staff Vaccine Mandate Blocked By Federal Judge
The temporary block happened after care workers sued over the lack of a religious exemption in New York’s statewide mandate. Separately, Arizona sued the Biden administration over the new national vaccine mandate, arguing it was part of a “radical agenda.”
Soldiers Must Fall In Line, Get Covid Shots In 3 Months Or Face Discharge
The Army announced nearly 500,000 soldiers on active duty now have only three months to be fully vaccinated against covid. The Air Force set a Nov. 2 deadline for active-duty personnel; for the Navy and Marines, it’s Nov. 28.
ER Patients Forced To Wait Hours In Their Cars At Alaska’s Biggest Hospital
Delta has run rampant in the state, where only 60% of its adults are fully vaccinated. As The New York Times reports, Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage is a critical hub for patients from across the state who need a higher level of care that can’t be provided in their home communities. Other surge news is reported from California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia and elsewhere.
Progress In Fighting Covid Stalls Out
Hospitals in the southern U.S. are running dangerously low on space, The New York Times reports. The grim numbers show covid is winning: As of Tuesday night, 663,913 Americans have died of covid, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
Newsom Handily Beats Back Recall Effort Spurred By Pandemic Policies
A strong majority of Californians rejected a measure to remove Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom from office. Newsom cast the victory as a vote of confidence for his handling of the covid crisis and support for other positions like abortion rights.
Chokeholds Restricted But Not Banned Under New Justice Department Policy
The Justice Department announced a change Tuesday, barring FBI, DEA and U.S. Marshals Service law enforcement officials from using “chokeholds and carotid restraints,” as well as no-knock warrants, unless they think doing so would save them from death or serious injury.
Political Spotlight Falls On Facebook’s Potential Damaging Impact On Teens
News outlets report on a politically-led probe into Facebook and Instagram’s potentially damaging impact on young users — something Facebook apparently knew about from its own research. Separately, TikTok launches in-app tools to help support users facing mental health issues.
Intraparty Division Over Drug Pricing Threatens Democrats’ Health Priorities
Three moderate House Democrats object to the plan to allow Medicare to broadly negotiate drug prices. Their opposition leaves the future path uncertain for major health policy measures Democrats aimed to include in the massive social safety-net spending package. And for more on the drug-pricing legislation, scroll down to today’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Biggest Social Security Boost In 40 Years Will Aid 68 Million Americans
Estimates from the Senior Citizens League say older Americans could get a cost-of-living increase of around 6% next year–the largest jump in 40 years. Separately, experts warn that covid-based tax collecting shortfalls mean full Social Security benefits may now have to be cut back in 2033 instead of 2034.
