Latest KFF Health News Stories
J&J Says Its Covid Shot Buys You At Least 8 Months’ Protection
The drugmaker said its vaccine also works against the delta covid variant. In other vaccine news, data suggest MRNA vaccines make breakthrough infections milder, and the Novavax vaccine is 90% effective overall plus protects against alpha covid.
Covid ‘Surge Teams’ May Be Coming To Your Town
The teams will distribute supplies and help at vaccination sites and with contact tracing, White House officials say, in an effort to help communities that experience a surge in coronavirus infections.
US Whiffs July 4 Vaccine Goal, But 180 Million Have Had At Least 1 Dose
President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of U.S. adults by Independence Day is not going to happen, and the blame is placed on the delta variant and hesitancy. Various news outlets report on how delta is surging across the country.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Monday, July 5. Happy Independence Day from all of us at KHN!
Perspectives: Mobile Vaccine Clinics Can Be Repurposed; Missouri Trying To Defund Planned Parenthood
Editorial writers explore the following public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on Covid, delta, masks and vaccines.
Research Roundup: Covid; Smoking; ADHD; Brain Stimulation; And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Variants Driving Covid Surge Around The World
The New York Times covers rising covid infections and government reactions from Europe to Bangladesh. Reuters reports Mexico’s true death toll could be 60% above official figures. Separate reports say layers of red tape hamper U.S. vaccine donations.
Europe’s Vaccine Passport Leaves Out India-Made AstraZeneca Shots
The Washington Post reports on difficulties travelers from poorer countries may face due to receiving vaccines not on the E.U.’s approved list. Meanwhile, Bloomberg notes the U.K. is set to give third doses to vulnerable patients starting in September.
Covid-Era Smoking Ban In Atlantic City Casinos Ends Sunday
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed the order, but noted he’d look favorably on future bills to permanently ban smoking in Casinos — something campaigners are already asking for. Pot smoking, vaping, heated tobacco and more are also in the news.
In New Jersey, Hospitals Can Now Build Housing For The Homeless
The new bill was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, who said creative thinking was needed to battle the homeless crisis and improve health care. Separately, Sacramento’s mayor has a plan to mandate California’s capital city to house the homeless.
Experts Warn Of Incoming Wave Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The concern is that a new “summer of love” as the pandemic wanes will bring with it a wave of STD infections. In other public health news, typhus cases from flea bites are rising in southern states and a case of tick-borne Powassan virus is confirmed in Maine.
Health Care Workers Lured To Other Jobs By Higher Pay
Rising pay in other industries is reportedly driving high medical staff turnover and depleting ranks of potential candidates. CMS’s plans for GME slots, antitrust and big tech health, Blue Cross North Carolina, and Amedisys are also in the news.
Analysis: Aduhelm Would Be Cost-Effective Only If Priced 90% Less
Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug has a list price of $56,000. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports pricing for generic drugs varies among hospitals by up to $50 per pill.
Oklahoma Becomes 37th State To Expand Medicaid
Tens of thousands more Oklahomans become eligible for Medicaid starting today. And NPR looks at the 12 remaining hold-out states.
White House Takes Steps On Veteran Mental Health, Surprise Bills, Infrastructure
President Joe Biden signed into law a mental health bill aimed at boosting the Department of Veterans Affairs services and care for rural veterans. Other news from the administration focuses on surprising billing, cancer, funeral aid and the infrastructure deal.
CDC Likely To Stick With Its Current Mask Guidelines, Fauci Says
The CDC says fully vaccinated people can resume most indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask or social distancing. Meanwhile, Montana, Oregon and Maryland are shedding more of their covid restrictions or mandates.
Pfizer Says Vaccine Likely Available For Younger Kids By September Or October
A top executive at the company said it is closing in on its request for emergency-use authorization for children ages 5-11.
Michigan Latest State To Try Vaccine Lottery With $5 Million Sweepstakes
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will announce a vaccine incentive prize fund of over $5 million and nine college scholarships worth $55,000 each. Meanwhile, the White House celebrates vaccine progress, and Budweiser gives away free beer as an incentive.
Doctors Say Covid Symptoms Are Changing, Now Look More Like A Cold
Upper respiratory symptoms such as congestion, runny nose and headache seem to be increasing among those found to have the coronavirus. In other research news: vaccinated people who get covid appear to carry less of the virus; some wildlife may be able to spread covid to humans; and more.
