Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers tackle these Covid and vaccine issues.
Mixing AstraZeneca, Pfizer Vaccines Delivers Stronger Immune Response
A dose of Pfizer covid vaccine four weeks after an AstraZeneca shot causes a stronger immune response than two doses of AstraZeneca according to a U.K. study. News outlets cover the whole issue of mixing covid vaccines, as well as technology behind currently approved shots.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Evidence Emerging That Colds Can Prevent Flu; Warming Temperatures Pose Health Risks
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Ways US Can Boost Global Vaccine Effort; Some College Vaccine Mandates Being Challenged
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine topics.
Delta Covid Variant Soars In Sydney, Forcing Full Lockdown Of City
It’s the first full lockdown of the Australian city since the pandemic began. Meanwhile, South Africa tightens its restrictions; most infections in the UAE are linked to more-infectious variants; and India may have undercounted covid deaths by hundreds of thousands.
UK Health Minister Breaks Covid Rules, Resigns After Causing Scandal
Matt Hancock was seen kissing an aide in his office in a leaked video, breaking social distancing rules he’d imposed on Britain. His replacement is reportedly keen to end the country’s covid restrictions. Separately, reports say 2 million English people likely had long covid.
Louisiana’s State Worker Insurance Will Pay For Weight-Loss Surgery
A new law covers obesity surgery for state workers, including teachers and retirees. In other news, South Carolina offers free HIV and STD tests; the CDC gives Maine $7 million to prepare for future pandemics and the state’s budget includes $300 covid relief payouts.
The First Big Cruise Ship In Over 15 Months Has Departed A US Port
Meanwhile, on a Royal Caribbean International cruise in the Bahamas, two young passengers have tested positive for covid. The TSA has also reported the highest number of travelers passing though its screening processes since March 7, 2020.
Threats, Harassment Hit One In Four Health Workers During Pandemic
About 23% of public health care workers said they’d been targeted because of their work since the pandemic began. In other news, a new Arizona State University program is trying to attract new students to tackle a nursing shortage that’s been felt particularly in rural areas.
Approval, Pricing Of New Alzheimer’s Drug Targeted In House Investigation
Stat reports that both Biogen, makers of Aduhelm, and the Food and Drug Administration are to be examined. Meanwhile, Axios reports on Aduhelm’s price impact on efforts to lower prescription costs and outlines its potential impact on medical standards and budgets.
J&J Will End Sales Of Opioids, Settle With New York State For $230 Million
The drugmaker will permanently end manufacturing and sales of opioids across the U.S. It will also pay $230 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it helped fuel the opioid crisis. Syringe exchanges, medical marijuana rules and harm reduction for drug users are also in the news.
CMS Nixes Medicaid Work Requirements In Arizona, Indiana
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services alerted both states on Friday that the agency is rescinding previous approval by the Trump administration to add work or job training rules for some Medicaid beneficiaries. In related news, Georgia is also delaying its plans to institute such requirements.
Thanks To Delta, WHO Says Masks Still Needed Even For Vaccinated People
Noting that vaccines alone aren’t enough to stop community transmission of all variants of covid, the World Health Organization stressed the importance of sticking with masks. Separately, senators are pressing the CDC and TSA on when they’ll update masking rules.
Study Finds Lost Sense Of Smell, Taste Could Last A Year After Covid
In other news, elective surgeries are being delayed as the after-effects of covid have an impact on patients; questions are asked of a probe into covid deaths at a Massachusetts veterans home; and Utah sees a spike in covid cases and deaths.
What To Know About Future Path Of Delta Variant — And Delta Plus
As delta-driven cases quickly rise across the globe — including pockets of the U.S. — alarmed public health experts weigh in on the fallout for vaccine boosters, infection rates and renewed restrictions. The common message of them all: your best shot at staying safe is to get vaccinated now.
Teens Sneaking Behind Parents’ Backs To Get Covid Vaccine
Many are stuck in a tug of war between one parent who says yes and the other who says no. Increasingly, adolescents are seeking ways to be vaccinated without their parents’ consent.
Will FDA Speed Up Full Approval Process For Covid Vaccines?
Some public health officials and politicians are calling on the Food and Drug Administration to step up their review, arguing that it would help some hesitant Americans to get vaccinated.
MRNA Vaccines May Protect For Years — With One Big Caveat, Study Finds
Covid boosters might not be needed after all — as long as the virus and its variants do not evolve much beyond their current forms, which is not guaranteed.
‘Heartbreaking Stories’: Biden Administration Urged To Tackle Medical Debt
Democratic Sens. Chris Murphy and Chris Van Hollen is calling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help Americans facing aggressive medical debt collection by hospitals. Separately, news outlets report on a charity’s big buy of medical debt, hospital tactics and more.
