Latest KFF Health News Stories
Execs At Spoiled Vaccine Company Knew Of Quality Issues In Advance
Stat reports that Emergent BioSolutions “already knew” of manufacturing quality issues even as it earned $27 million monthly for covid vaccines. Executives defended the company before a congressional panel, and said they could resume making J&J doses within days.
Had Your Covid Shots? You May Need A Booster In The Fall
Pfizer and Moderna’s CEOs say a third “booster” shot may be needed as early as September for people who’ve had their initial two doses. The third dose may be needed to maintain the vaccine’s efficacy against covid. The U.K. has just begun a trial of such boosters.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Are Bribes For Vaccines Effective? More Work Needed On Covid Therapy Drugs
Opinion writers tackle Covid, monoclonal antibody therapies, vaccines and pandemic issues.
Viewpoints: Changing Health Care Approach; HB 290 Will Fix Medicaid For Eligible Texas Kids
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Perspectives: Exposing The Secrets Of The Pharmaceutical Industry
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Uber, Amazon Pharmacy Kick Their Prescription Services Into Gear
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
India’s Covid Variant May Be Cause Of Faster Spread
Scientists try to understand the variant that might be behind the fast and uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus in India. Nepal is also getting hit.
Gaza War Casualties Displace Covid Patients
Among the war damage was Gaza’s one covid testing lab. In other world news, Japan is still committed to holding the Summer Olympics despite pleas from its doctors to cancel.
Are Drug Makers Prepared Against Cyber Attacks?
Concerns are raised about the security of drug makers’ computer systems.
Telemedicine Mental Health Grows; California Skips Mental Health In School Aid Spends
As Stat reports, several billion-dollar scale startups are expanding their digital efforts to improve mental health. Separately, lawmakers worry about Facebook’s link to depression and reports suggest California districts are spending aid cash on existing employees instead of expanding counseling services.
Prison Under Fire For Asking Inmates For Covid Liability Waivers
If prisoners decline a covid test, a California prison has been asking them to waive liability for illness or death, a move deemed “unethical” by medical experts. Separately, West Virginia boosts benefits in a nutrition program for women and children, and a Virginia doctor is sentenced to 59 years for performing unneeded surgery.
‘On A Precipice’: Safety-Net Hospitals Struggle To Survive During Pandemic
PBS’ Frontline and NPR launch a special report that dives into how hospitals that serve lower income groups fared during the covid pandemic and disproportionate impact on communities of color.
States Limit Governors’ Covid Powers As Pandemic Starts To Fade
Meanwhile, Tennessee lawmakers made the state the second to pass a bill limiting health care for transgender minors; Texas considers health care in higher education construction plans; and Mississippi rules against a voter-approved medical marijuana program.
Fallout From Abortion Case Will Shake Elections, Health Care Access
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear a challenge to a new Mississippi abortion law could have a wide impact. Also, a visit to the Mississippi clinic at the center of the Supreme Court case.
45 Is The New 50: Experts Push For Lower Colon Cancer Screening Age
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says colon cancer screening should start for Americans age 45 and up because colorectal cancer is affecting younger adults than previously. In other news, Google demonstrates an AI to analyze skin conditions, and organic meat is found to have fewer drug-resistant microbes.
AbbVie On Hot Seat Over Price Hikes
AbbVie’s CEO faced questions from lawmakers on the increased prices of anti-inflammatory drug Humira and cancer drug Imbruvica during a House hearing Tuesday. The Democrats want the FTC to investigate. The House also passed a hate crimes bill and a group of Republicans rebel against floor masking rules.
Texas Governor Resists CDC Guidelines, Bans Mask Mandates In Schools
Though the CDC says students should still wear masks in some situations, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered that no local schools or government officials can set mask mandates. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci warns the new CDC rules are “not a mandate to take your mask off.”
US Vaccine Donations Will Be Primarily Shared Through COVAX
Meanwhile, Russia and China are sharing more shots than the U.S. with other nations. And, to avoid waiving patent rights for newly developed covid vaccines, leaders of major industrialized nations are expected to back “patent pooling” as a way to get more vaccines to more countries.
600,000 Children Vaccinated Against Covid
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the patchwork of state laws is resulting in an uneven response, this time in the rollout delivery of the covid vaccines to children.
