Latest KFF Health News Stories
Viewpoints: When Will FDA Move On Full Vaccine Approval?; Vaccinated Shouldn’t Have To Be Restricted
Opinion writers examine these covid and vaccine issues.
Tokyo Covid Cases Hit Record; Greek Olympic Synchro Swim Team Is Out
Japanese authorities warned of unprecedented surges in covid infection rates, with the delta variant blamed. Meanwhile, with four members of Greece’s synchronized swimming team testing positive, the entire team has had to withdraw from the Olympics.
Perspectives: Drug Costs Have Stymied US Economy’s Recovery From Covid
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Eli Lilly Says It Will Seek FDA Approval Of Alzheimer’s Drug By Year’s End
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Advocates Push For Expanded National Mental Health Crisis Hotline
The hope is that by attaching suicide prevention resources to an infrastructure or appropriations bill, mental health care and suicide support phone efforts can be expanded. Separately, studies suggest covid may increase the risk of dementia and other brain disorders.
As Delta Variant Spreads, China Faces Its Worst Covid Outbreak In A Year
Mass testing will happen in Wuhan, travel restrictions are applied in some areas, and an outbreak connected to the international airport in the eastern city of Nanjing touched at least 17 provinces across China. The country is also naming and shaming local leaders who’ve worsened the situation.
US Has Donated 110 Million Covid Vaccine Doses Globally
With 110 million doses already donated, involving a lot of logistical planning and coordination, the White House indicated this is just the start of an ongoing push to help vaccinate the world. As President Joe Biden put it, “The virus knows no boundaries.”
US Ranks Last Among High-Income Nations, Again, In Health Care Study
The latest study from the Commonwealth Fund, released today, places the U.S. last among high-income countries because of problems with access to health care and inequality. Meanwhile, NPR reports on how some consumers may still be eligible for free health insurance due to recent expanded enrollment periods.
Delta Surges And Hospitals Struggle To Stretch Capacity, Staffing
Amid a surge in covid cases, driven by the delta variant, Florida’s hospitals are expanding their covid units, limiting visitors and battling employee shortages as they struggle to retain nursing staff. News outlets across the country also report on how recent covid spikes are affecting health care systems.
Here We Go Again: Delta Variant Upends Back To School Process
Widespread disagreements over masking and vaccine mandates are making for a chaotic return to school. News coverage looks at the mask debate in Florida schools and the college scene, as well.
Senate Working Through Series Of Amendments On Infrastructure Bill
Democratic leaders hope to have a final vote on the measure and send it to the House before the end of the week so they can move on to another bill that would allow billions of dollars in health care spending. Senators also announced efforts to get more answers about mysterious “Havana syndrome” brain injuries.
Clock Ticking: Herd Immunity Bar Now Higher; Will ‘Doomsday’ Variant Emerge?
Health experts try to predict the future path of the unpredictable coronavirus. Meanwhile, the quick spread of the delta variant changes Americans’ views about the state of the pandemic — but not the behaviors of the unvaccinated.
DeSantis Won’t Order Surge Precautions, Says Florida’s Record Hospitalizations Will Drop Soon
Florida, Texas and Louisiana are experiencing the worst numbers of the entire pandemic. And other states are trending in the same direction, leaving leaders and medical workers in a tough position.
Vaccinations Rise In US, But It May Be February Before Everyone Gets A Shot
While vaccination rates are now rising in all 50 states, a CNN analysis says it may be mid-February before all eligible Americans have received at least one dose of a covid vaccine. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, providers can give supplemental vaccines to people who got the one-shot J&J version.
Pfizer Vaccine Could Gain Full FDA Approval Within Weeks
The New York Times reports that the unofficial internal deadline at the Food and Drug Administration is Labor Day or earlier. And a new survey finds that more than half of unvaccinated people still think the shot is riskier than covid.
New York Steps Up Pressure On The Unvaccinated, Big Business Does Too
New York City is set to be the first in the U.S. to require proof of vaccination for access to a variety of activities for workers and customers–including indoor dining and gyms. Companies like Microsoft and Tyson Foods are also targeting employees who are holding out against getting covid shots.
Biden Calls Out Governors Obstructing Vaccines, Masks: ‘Get Out Of The Way’
Lamenting that this fourth covid wave was a “largely preventable tragedy” and a “pandemic of the unvaccinated,” President Joe Biden spoke out in favor of tougher vaccine requirements and told state and local officials to stop hindering efforts to get shots in more arms.
White House, Under Pressure, Extends Eviction Ban At Least Until Oct. 3
Under the Biden administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a renewed eviction moratorium that will last at least until October. After letting the previous ruling lapse, the White House had been under pressure to protect people from losing their homes as the pandemic continues.
Few Alzheimer’s Patients Take Costly Drug As Benefits Questions Linger
Analysts suggest less than 100 people have received the new drug, Aduhelm, since it was approved by federal regulators in June. Hospital and insurer committees are reviewing the use of Aduhelm, but the lingering questions about its effectiveness are slowing delivery. Meanwhile, in Europe, the blockbuster drug Humira’s growth is being challenged by biosimilar products but those aren’t allowed here yet.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
