Latest KFF Health News Stories
Amid Covid Surge, Biden Will Keep Border Closed To Migrants: Sources
The White House had been expected to begin allowing migrant families to start seeking asylum in late July, but the delta variant has derailed those plans, Politico reports. Other immigration news is from Texas and California.
Lowest Share Of Americans In Poverty Ever, Thanks To Covid Aid
The New York Times reports poverty levels in the U.S. have nearly been cut in half versus pre-pandemic levels, thanks to temporary expansions of the safety net made possible by covid aid. Evictions, ticks, overdoses, mental health support and actor Bob Odenkirk are also in the news.
First Biosimilar Insulin Approved By FDA, Can Swap-In For Brand Names
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first “interchangeable biosimilar” insulin drug, Semglee, allowing doctors to prescribe it and substitute it for brand-name insulin in an effort to lower costs for people with diabetes. The Aduhelm drug controversy is also back in the news.
Congress Asked DOD To Help Lower Drug Costs, Now It Wants Answers
Congress had asked the Department of Defense to lower the cost of medicines discovered with federal funding aid but that ultimately cost more than in other nations — now two lawmakers want to know about progress. Separately, lawmakers back an extension to spending provider relief funds.
Pfizer Says Data Support Covid Booster Shots, As Efficacy Fades Over Time
Pfizer announced that its two-dose covid vaccine’s efficacy slips from 96% to 84% after six months, supporting the company’s push for a third “booster” shot. Separately, Johnson & Johnson’s covid vaccine shelf life is extended to six months from four and a half by the FDA.
Social Media Giants Now Requiring Covid Vaccines; Twitter Shutters Offices
Google and Facebook have mandated a covid jab for all U.S. employees. Twitter has closed its San Francisco and New York offices just two weeks after reopening.
A Vaxxing In Disguise — A Missouri Trend To Dodge Social Criticism
Newsweek reports that fear of “social ostracism” is prompting some Missourians seeking covid shots to go to the appointments in disguise. Bloomberg, meanwhile, reports that some vaccination upticks are being seen in southern and central parts of the U.S. where covid is surging.
McConnell Steps Up Campaign To Urge Republicans To Get Vaccinated
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell admits that he was surprised by vaccine holdouts and blames misinformation: “Clearly, we have got a job to do to try to convince reluctant Americans of all types who seem to be holding back, unconvinced that this is the right thing to do,” he told Fox Business. Meanwhile, some House Republicans are yet again fighting Capitol mask rules.
Studies Link Mental Illness Diagnosis With Worse Covid Risks
Meta-analyses published in JAMA suggest that people who are diagnosed with a mental illness have a higher risk of being hospitalized or dying from covid. Reasons why include barriers to accessing care. Other research shows that for 40% of people with covid, symptoms can linger for up to six months.
CDC’s Indoor Mask Rule Reversal Prompts White House To Defend Move
News outlets cover a push by Biden administration scientists to explain and defend the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to re-recommend indoor mask wearing. Separately, reports explain different mask policies from the Pentagon to Pennsylvania.
Get Shot Or Get Tested, Mask Up: Biden To Lay Down Vaccine Rules For Feds
The White House is taking pains to avoid the loaded “mandate” term. Still, President Joe Biden is expected to announce new requirements Thursday that will force unvaccinated government employees to choose: get the covid jab or undergo routine testing and wear masks and maintain social distancing at work. It’s also a policy that administration officials hope more businesses will adopt.
As Covid Surges In South, Florida Detects Variant First Identified In Colombia
Florida’s community transmission is ranked “high” by the CDC, possibly playing a role in the local detection of cases of a new covid variant (B.1.621) first detected in Colombia. Meanwhile, Texas’ case rate tops 10,000 daily for the first time in nearly six months, and southern hospitals are strained.
CDC Now Recommends The Vaccinated Should Get Tested For Covid If Exposed
In the face of spiking delta cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broadened another area of guidance. On the heels of revised masking advice, the agency is also telling fully vaccinated Americans who come into contact with someone with covid to still get tested — even if not experiencing symptoms.
Infrastructure Bill Passes First Vote Test As Senate Accelerates Action
In a bipartisan 67-32 vote, senators advanced the $1 trillion package forward Wednesday. The key action came quickly on the heels of negotiators reaching a deal after weeks of difficult talks. While debate can begin, it’s unclear if the bill has enough support to eventually pass in the Senate or if the House will continue to link it to the $3.5 trillion budget proposal.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these public health concerns.
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
Perspectives: Affordable Care Act Has Loopholes That Can Hurt Patients
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
In Just One Week, Bhutan Hit Full Vaccination For 90% Of All Adults
Bhutan, with around 800,000 people, made headlines in April by giving the first covid shot to around 90% of adults in two weeks, and now it’s achieved distribution of second doses even faster. Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Russia, Mexico, Israel and the U.K. are also in the news.
Teachers Win $185 Million Damages For Brain Injuries From Monsanto PCBs
Three teachers won a case against Monsanto that blamed the company for brain injuries from exposure to PCB chemicals in school fluorescent lighting and caulking in walls. Separately, an acid leak in a Texas chemical plant caused two deaths and several injuries Tuesday.
