Latest KFF Health News Stories
The Next Pandemic May Find US Hospitals Inadequately Prepared
A 10-year analysis of how hospitals are set up to deal with pandemics and mass casualty events says that the U.S. may not be ready for the next catastrophe. Separately, 32 experts from 17 nations released guidelines for how health leaders can prepare.
Flu Vaccines Using Moderna’s MRNA Technology Enter Trials
The first participants in a Phase 1/2 study have already had mRNA-1010 shots, targeting some seasonal flu variants. Stock buybacks, extended shelf life for glaucoma meds, and Philip Morris buying a U.K. asthma drug company are also in the news.
Dangerous Heat Wave To Roll Over Western US This Weekend
As Western states ready themselves for more scorching heat — Death Valley may hit a record 131 degrees Sunday — the death toll from the previous high temperature period is rising. Oregon’s new worker-heat rules might be the nation’s most protective.
Genes May Influence Who Gets Away With A Light Covid Infection
Stat and USA Today cover research into how people’s genes influence how badly they react to a covid infection, and maybe how susceptible they are to catching it. Other reports cover the low death risk in children and how high heart rate persists after covid.
FDA Narrows Prescribing Guidance For Controversial Alzheimer’s Drug
After fierce criticism of its accelerated approval for Biogen’s pricey Alzheimer’s medication Aduhelm, the Food and Drug Administration is reversing its broad recommendation and now saying the treatment should only be prescribed to patients with milder symptoms.
Covid Tightens Its Grip On Arkansas As Cases Spike Over 1,000 For Second Day
Only about 35% of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated. Parts of Utah, Louisiana, Wisconsin and California have all reported surges, as well.
Rising Hospitalization Trends Worry CDC As Delta Surges In US
More unvaccinated Americans are falling sick — due in large part to the spread of the highly transmissible delta variant — with a 7% increase in daily hospitalization admissions since the July Fourth holiday weekend.
CDC, FDA Not Sold On Need For Covid Boosters ‘At This Time’
Even as vaccine makers lay the groundwork for future shots, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration said in a joint statement that based on the latest data, “Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time.”
Missouri Governor Says No To Door-To-Door Vaccine Push
Meanwhile, Missouri asked for help from a federal “surge response team” last week, and some state hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed with covid cases. The pros and cons of the vaccine rollout, mandates and more are covered by other news outlets.
Full Two-Dose Vaccine Regimen Offers Best Protection Against Delta Variant: Study
In a new study published in Nature, researchers find that a single shot of a two-dose vaccine “barely” offers any protection against the delta variant, but that people who are fully vaccinated show good results.
Pfizer To Ask FDA To OK Third Shot; Also Developing Delta Booster
With data out of Israel showing a decrease in efficacy of its two-jab covid vaccine regimen, Pfizer says it plans in the next few weeks to request emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for a third dose. The drugmaker is also developing an updated version of the vaccine to target the delta variant.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into these various public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, the delta variant and vaccines.
Research Roundup: Covid; Obesity; Cancer; TB; Cyclospora; Chikungunya
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Indonesian Sinovac Vaccine Trials Scientist Dies Of Suspected Covid
Novilia Sjafri Bachtiar was the lead scientist for trials of China’s covid vaccine, in a country where it has been widely used. Other reports note that the CoronaVac vaccine has proved inferior to Pfizer’s covid shot where both shots were used simultaneously.
Tulane University School Of Medicine Put On Probation Amid Racism Claims
During probation, a school is at risk of losing its accreditation if it doesn’t fix the issues by the next review cycle, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which issued the citation, has said previously. Aetna, Cleveland Clinic, UnitedHealth and more are also in the news.
Northwest Heat Wave Blamed On Climate Change
Reports say the recent record-breaking temperatures and hundreds of heat-related deaths in the northwest would be “virtually impossible” without human influence on climate. A separate study says climate change is linked to 5 million deaths yearly.
To Avoid Pandemic Drug Shortages, The FDA Bent Its Own Rules, Priorities
A report in CIDRAP explains how the Food and Drug Administration tried to prevent drug shortages by “flexing” its rules and expedited new drug applications and supplements. Separately, reports note Pfizer’s heart meds are bringing in billions of dollars for the drugmaker.
More States Have Cleared The Way For Purdue Pharma’s Bankruptcy Plan
Fifteen states have dropped their objections to the OxyContin maker’s reorganization plan, moving the company closer to transforming itself into a new entity that helps combat the opioid epidemic through its own profits, AP reported.
