Latest KFF Health News Stories
Moderna Says Its Vaccine Holds Up Against Delta Variant In Lab
In a study conducted by Moderna, blood samples from fully vaccinated people produced antibodies against multiple covid strains — including the delta variant that is surging around the globe.
Mask-Wearing Debates Re-Energized As Delta Covid Surges
News outlets cover conflicting discussions, warnings, recommendations in different states as worries rise over the surge in delta variant covid. The Guardian, meanwhile, covers former President Donald Trump’s contempt for his administration’s covid task force.
No Masks + Few Vaccinations = More Than 80 Covid Cases At Illinois Camp
All summer campers and staff at the Crossing Camp were old enough to be eligible for vaccination, although the Illinois Department of Public Health said it knew of “only a handful of campers and staff” who got the covid shot.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Delta Covid Cases Rise In The UK, But Full Unlocking Is Still Set For July 19
The delta variant is spreading in the U.K., causing the daily infection rate to hit highs not seen since January, but officials have signaled a full unlock is still “very likely.” In other news, worries grow about European summer travel as vaccine passports start to play a role.
Breastfeeding Athletes Have To Choose Between Babies And Olympics
Olympic organizers have said athletes who are breastfeeding may not be able to bring their children to Japan under covid rules. Reports also note that there is now a surge in covid cases in Tokyo, triggering worries of a fifth wave with the Games only weeks away.
Vermont Makes Menstruation Products Tax-Exempt
In other news, a blood shortage hits North Carolina — raising questions on biases against gay donors; California bans travel to states with anti-LGBTQ laws; Mississippi lawmakers hear testimony on medical marijuana; and fentanyl-related deaths are up in Montana.
70% Of US Doctors Have Left Private Practice For Hospitals, Companies
A study shows almost 70% of U.S. physicians are now employed by hospitals or corporations, with the pandemic blamed for driving more away from independent practice. Separately, training medical staff in infection control using escape room games proves useful.
Cases Of Heat-Related Illness Skyrocket At Oregon Hospitals As Region Swelters
Health officials said 128 people needed emergency care on Sunday, compared to just 24 on Friday and 56 Saturday. And in Arizona, health officials are investigating 53 suspected heat-related deaths.
House Passes Bills Boosting US Science Funding To Stay Competitive With China
The House-passed legislation would invest in traditional research and development, which is at odds with a Senate measure that focuses instead on new technology.
Becerra Tours Shelter, Asks Congress To Overhaul Immigration Systems
After visiting Fort Bliss military base in Texas, currently the largest migrant shelter, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said conditions were improving and the number of child migrants at the camp had fallen. He also asked for changes in the entire immigration service.
Biden Appeals Directly To Americans To Support Infrastructure Plan
In an op-ed in Yahoo News, the president stressed than the infrastructure deal would help create millions of jobs, would make communities safer by fixing bridges, would improve the clean-water supply by replacing lead pipes and more.
In Face Of Huge Costs, Medicare May Limit Eligibility For Alzheimer’s Drug
And Stat offers an interactive that guesses at the financial hit Medicare may take from Aduhelm $56,000-a-year price tag. In other Medicare news, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services move to expand its home health value-based purchasing program nationwide.
HHS Releases Proposed Rule To Extend ACA Enrollment, Add More Windows During Year
Another proposed regulation would rescind a Trump administration waiver that allows states to privatize their marketplace exchanges, bypassing healthcare.gov. Meanwhile, lawmakers look to further tweak the Affordable Care Act since the health law survived its latest Supreme Court challenge.
Covid Has Another Impact: Doubling Type 2 Diabetes Issues For Kids
A study in Louisiana shows that the number of Type 2 cases of diabetes in children that required hospitalization were up more than twice during 2020, and they increased in severity. Salmonella outbreaks, HPV vaccines, worker burnout and more are also in the news.
As States Reopened After First 2020 Wave, 5,300 More People Were Hospitalized Daily
A study links reopenings in spring 2020 with spikes in people hospitalized with covid. Deaths also rose, but over a month later. Separately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of 4,115 covid-vaccinated people who were hospitalized or died.
Juul To Pay $40 Million To Settle North Carolina Vaping Lawsuit
North Carolina’s attorneys announced the deal Monday, saying the funds will be used to help teens who are addicted to Juul products and for preventive programs. Electronic cigarette giant Juul — which still faces many other suits — also agreed not to advertise to anyone in North Carolina under 21 and limit online sales.
2 Weeks After California’s Reopening, LA County Urges Mask-Wearing Indoors
More health experts are growing wary about the spread of the highly transmissible delta variant.
Biden To Visit Michigan Over July 4 Weekend In Vaccine Push
The president will head to Traverse City on Saturday as the White House celebrates progress against the pandemic, concluding a weeklong push to promote vaccination. This week, first lady Jill Biden is visiting Texas as part of this effort.
Editorial pages delve into these various public health topics.
