Latest KFF Health News Stories
Stanford Magnetic Therapy To Treat Depression Has Significant Trials Success
The SAINT method uses targeted magnetic stimulation of the brain, and reports say almost 80% of the study’s participants saw their severe depression go into remission. Generic drug prices, strep vaccines for pregnant women, a boom in stem cell clinics and more are also in the news.
Researchers Look At Link Between Covid Vaccine Injections, Heart Problems
Some theories are emerging about the link between receiving a covid shot and the risks for myocarditis, including the chance that vaccines were injected into veins, directly affecting the heart. Pfizer’s covid pill, antibody drugs, pregnant women’s risks and pets with covid are also in the news.
Discrimination Against Young Adults Linked To Higher Risk Of Mental Issues
A new study has shown a link between people experiencing discrimination about their bodies, race, age or sex and later risks for developing mental health problems. Separately, a study from the U.S. Census Bureau has shown LGBTQ people were more likely to lose income during the pandemic.
As Pandemic’s Impact Shifts, Experts Warn About Breakthrough Cases
These infections among vaccinated people may hinder the fight against the virus. Experts suggest many are the result of children passing along the virus. Other news outlets also look at the changing demographics that are the hallmark of the delta variant.
Vaccine Hesitancy ‘Entrenched’: Study Finds Half Unvaxxed Won’t Get Shots
A detailed nationwide U.S. survey found around half of the people currently resisting taking covid shots are unlikely to change their minds. Meanwhile, NBC News reports on efforts to close the vaccination gap between California’s Latino population and other demographic groups.
Schools Take Central Role As Covid Vaccine Push Shifts To Youngsters
News outlets report on covid vaccine drives across the U.S. education system. First lady Jill Biden is also playing a role promoting shots for school children alongside Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.
HHS Enforcement Of 340B Program Up In Air With Conflicting Court Rulings
As hospitals and pharmaceutical companies fight in court over the prescription drug discount program, the oversight power of the Health Resources and Services Administration is also at issue.
‘I Cannot Wait’: Vaccinated Foreign Travelers Finally Able To Enter US
American borders have been closed to most international travelers for 20 months. Starting today, those restrictions are lifted for people from Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and much of Europe — as long as they have been fully vaccinated with a U.S.-approved shot.
With Infrastructure Win, Democrats Eye Bumpy Road On Spending Bill
Late Friday night, the House approved the $1 trillion infrastructure bill and sent it to President Joe Biden to sign. Its companion — the social spending package that could shake up health care programs — still faces big hurdles in both chambers as Democrats try to navigate fractious factions and a slim majority.
Appeals Court Grants Stay On Biden’s Vaccine Mandate For Private Businesses
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted the federal vaccine rules, pending legal review of the case. Biden administration officials expressed confidence that the orders will prevail as they wind their way through the judicial challenges.
First Edition: November 8, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Molnupiravir Will Be A Huge Help For UK; Does It Matter Anymore How Covid Started?
Opinion writers delve into these covid topics.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid vaccines, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, daylight-saving time and more.
Planned Nov. 15 Strike Will Involve Nearly 32,000 Kaiser Permanente Staff
Health care workers in California, Oregon and Washington are involved. Separately, maintenance workers strike at a West Virginia Hospital, and reports say Kansas hospitals are at “crisis level” for staffing and capacity. Media outlets also cover other health industry news.
To Defeat Baby Powder Lawsuits, J&J Tries Bankruptcy Tactic Again
Johnson & Johnson is trying a “Texas two-step” maneuver to resolve a billion-dollar case over the alleged health effects of baby powder. News from the trial of Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, Anthem’s investment in kidney care and Abbott’s inclusive clinical trials push is also reported.
Home Health Workers Both Happy, Upset At CMS’ Payment Changes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the 2022 home health payment rule yesterday, revealing both good and bad news for providers of home health services. Separately, Axios reports that health insurers still don’t seem “that worried” about the covid pandemic, having side-stepped many large costs this year.
California Assisted Death Law Re-Enabled As Appeals Court Ends Lawsuit
A 2018 lawsuit temporarily suspended California’s law allowing adults to seek prescriptions for life-ending drugs, and but that block has now been ended. News outlets cover mental health matters in Kentucky, Florida and Colorado. And other health news comes from Texas, Delaware and Michigan.
HPV Vaccines Drive Dramatic 87% Drop In Cervical Cancer Rate, Study Shows
A study in the U.K. found that administering vaccines for the human papillomavirus to girls dramatically reduced rates of cervical cancer in later life, with the biggest effect when shots were given to 12- to 13-year-olds. Meanwhile, leukemia risk-linked benzene is found in some deodorants.
With Votes Planned, House Democrats Try To Whip Up Spending Bills Support
A key step forward on the intertwined social spending and infrastructure packages may come Friday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi aims to bring both to floor votes.
