Latest KFF Health News Stories
Several Covid Vax Skeptics Might Join ACIP; RFK Jr. Testifies At Senate Today
Politico reports that it has seen an internal list that included the names of at least three people who have questioned the safety of mRNA vaccines. It’s unclear whether new members could join the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices before its next meeting Sept. 18-19. Plus: The FDA questions the safety of getting covid and flu vaccines at the same time.
First Edition: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Advanced-Stage Prostate Cancer Rates See Sharp Rise In Past Decade
The report also shows that declines in mortality rates have slowed, from 3%-4% per year to 0.6% per year in the past decade. Plus: A study looks at cancer-fighting properties of a plant-based nutrient. More news is on Alzheimer’s; the link between brain tumors and the birth control shot; and more.
Victims’ Families, Survivors Of Maine Mass Shooting Sue US Government
The plaintiffs argue that the U.S. Army could and should have done more to stop the 2023 shooting that killed 18 people in Lewiston, AP reported, because it reportedly knew that the gunman had mental health issues. Also: President Donald Trump raises the possibility of arming teachers who have served as “distinguished” military service members.
OpenAI Will Offer Parental Controls After California Teen’s Suicide
The change will be introduced to ChatGPT within the next month, the company said Tuesday. Plus: The suicide rate among older Coloradans has not budged in a decade, The Colorado Sun reported.
First Covid Pill That Prevents Infection After Exposure Awaits FDA Approval
In a phase 3 trial, ensitrelvir — known as Xocova — showed a 67% reduction in risk of covid infection in patients treated after exposure. The drug has already been approved for use in Japan. Also, a new clinical trial shows covid may be prevented by using a common nasal antihistamine spray.
Different Takes: RFK Jr. Decries ‘Irrational Policy’ At CDC; Congress Must Take A Stand On Its Fate
Editorial writers examine the controversy over the CDC and other public health issues.
RFK Jr. Touts CDC’s Measles Response As Justification For Agency Shake-Up
In an op-ed, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. writes of the need to restore trust in the agency. But the director of the Dallas County Health Department disputes whether CDC policies helped end the outbreak, noting: “The accessibility and availability of CDC now is nothing like it has been in the past, or should be, and to claim that now this is the model for CDC is really — it’s just not true.”
HHS Will Restore Webpages With DEI; More CDC Budget Cuts On The Table
Under a court settlement, health data on those pages will be reset to reflect how they appeared as of Jan. 29, 2025. Axios has reported that a statement posted on those pages says, “Any information on this page promoting gender ideology is extremely inaccurate and disconnected from truth. This page does not reflect reality and therefore the Administration and this Department reject it.”
Providers, Patients Will Have Instant Access To Drug Costs Come Oct. 1
A final CMS rule requires providers to make digital requests during appointments with patients. Separately, Gilead Sciences aims to raise prices for its HIV medicines that are distributed by state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
2 Die In Louisiana After Eating Oysters Tainted With Flesh-Eating Bacteria
State health officials report 22 people have been hospitalized with Vibrio vulnificus infections. Plus: A Salmonella outbreak tied to eggs has sickened people in 18 states; it is now optional for the CDC to report illnesses caused by Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia; and more.
White House Tells 40 States To Nix LGBTQ+ Topics From Sex Ed
States were told they have 60 days to change the lessons or they risk losing federal funding, AP reported. Other health news is from Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Delaware, Florida, and Nevada.
Studies: Beta-Blockers Are Ineffective — And Also Dangerous For Some
The drugs have been shown to have no benefit for the majority of patients. Also, researchers found an increased risk of death in some women, according to lead author Dr. Borja Ibáñez, scientific director for Madrid’s National Center for Cardiovascular Investigation.
Congress Divided Over Strategy To Avoid Federal Government Shutdown
Republicans will need Democrats’ support to clear the filibuster threshold in the Senate. Meanwhile, Democrats are still angry at the White House’s move to cut nearly $5 billion in foreign aid without congressional approval. More news is on veterans’ health care.
Top Vaccine Panel To Meet This Month To Debate Covid Shots, Others
But Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has asked that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices postpone its meeting until “serious allegations … about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process” can be investigated. Plus, more about the limitations on the covid vaccine.
Viewpoints: Unprecedented Damage Being Done To The CDC; Childhood Vaccines May Be On Chopping Block
Opinion writers tackle these public health issues.
Trump Calls On Drug Companies For Vaccine Data Amid CDC Shake-Up
In the first public recognition of the upheaval at the CDC, President Donald Trump has demanded that pharmaceutical companies share their covid vaccine data with the public as a means to “clear up this mess.” Also, CDC resignations, a new acting CDC head, and more.
Medicare To Test Prior Authorizations In 6 States As Part Of A Pilot Program
The program will use AI to review cases, which some experts say could lead to inappropriate denials of care. Also in the news: more on prior authorization, Medicare Advantage, the impact of Medicaid cuts on maternity care, aging alone, and more.
First Edition: Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
