Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC To Hold ‘Emergency’ Talks On Alleged Link Between Covid Shots, Myocarditis
The meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 18. Health officials say the cases of heart inflammation have been rare but still higher than expected among adolescents and young adults who received their second shot of one of the mRNA jabs.
New Safety Rules Issued By OSHA To Protect Health Workers In ‘Grave Danger’
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued emergency requirements for health care providers that aim to guard employees during the ongoing pandemic. They include PTO for vaccinations, physical barriers and notifications of exposure.
Ohio Governor Slams Bill, Says Vaccines Prevent ‘Great, Great, Great Suffering’
A controversial anti-vax bill in Ohio would weaken the state’s vaccination laws. The bill drew national attention after some people urging passage of the bill claimed the covid vaccine would “magnetize” you. (It won’t.) Other news on the vaccine rollout is from Washington state, Alaska, Georgia, Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Pandemic Not Over: More People Died In First Part Of 2021 Than All Of 2020
Despite increasing vaccinations in wealthier nations, the pace of deaths due to covid continues to rise as the official death tally surpasses 1.88 million people around the world. And the rise of more contagious and deadlier variants worries global health officials.
Moderna Seeks FDA Vaccine Clearance For Kids From 12 To 17
The application for emergency use approval follows a study of more than 3,700 adolescents in which no covid cases were observed among those who received Moderna’s two-dose regimen. Four cases occurred in the placebo group. Separately, FDA vaccine advisers meet to debate vaccine protocols for kids.
Still Good To Use: J&J Boosts Shelf Life Of Covid Shots; Feds Pause Shipments
In February, the FDA authorized the vaccine for up to three months. A new FDA review has concluded that the shots remain safe and effective for at least 4 1/2 months.
Biden Says US Donations Will ‘Supercharge’ Global Vaccine Campaigns
Shipments of the first tranche of doses will start in August, President Joe Biden said on the eve of the G7 meeting in the United Kingdom. Leaders joining the summit are pledging a total of a billion doses — including 500 million from the U.S. — to share with poorer nations.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle Covid’s origins, the Delta variant, isolation and pandemic preparedness.
Editorial writers delve into these various public health matters.
Research Roundup: Physician Stress, Covid, Flu Vaccine, Dementia And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
UK, US Will Ease Mutual Travel Restrictions As Soon As Possible
In other news, a surge in cases of the Delta covid variant causes worries that the U.K. will have to suspend its reopening plans despite high vaccination levels; the U.S.-Canada border will mostly stay closed; and China steps up covid restrictions as it suffers an outbreak.
Nevada Becomes Second State To Offer Public Health Insurance Option
Separately, Florida’s Board of Medicine will revamp an old rule for medication-assisted weight loss that’s “out of step” with modern standards. Massachusetts’ taxed foster system, Georgia’s poor health rankings, and military medical services in Kentucky are among the other state stories covered today.
Tackling Utah Doctor Shortage A Goal For $110 Million Med School Donation
The money will be used to train more medical students and reach out to people in rural and remote areas of Utah. The New York Times, meanwhile, tackles health care worker’s garment and PPE fashion. Also, worries of shame culture swirl after a Mormon sex therapist’s ouster.
No Laughing Matter: Nitrous Oxide May Help Patients With Depression
A recent small-scale trial suggests low doses of laughing gas can help alleviate depression symptoms. In other public health news, U.S. deaths from heart disease and diabetes climbed during the pandemic and reports say 26 million non-covid vaccinations were skipped during 2020.
Arsenic Contamination Causes Recall Of Beech-Nut Infant Rice Cereal
Beech-Nut Nutrition says it will also cease sales of the product nationwide. Also in the news: the Phexxi birth control method, dentists detecting pregnancy and a study that says the placenta may help predict pregnancy risks even in the first trimester.
Health Care In 2022 Will Cost You 6.5% More Than This Year
The annual cost growth is above figures for the period 2017 to 2020, and will hit as people seek care they delayed during the pandemic. Meanwhile, UnitedHealthcare’s plans to scrutinize and retroactively deny some emergency care claims cause controversy.
Another FDA Adviser Resigns In Wake Of Alzheimer’s Drug Approval Decision
The Washington Post and Axios report on the ongoing fallout from the “contentious” decision to approve Aduhelm while CNN covers the costs and side-effects of the new drug. The Cincinnati Enquirer notes it will be available at UC Health and two other Ohio sites.
Hyde Amendment, Opioids Divide Senators In Health Budget Hearing
Those were two of the issues on which Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies from the two parties did not agree while considering the HHS spending plan for fiscal 2022.
CMS Ups Medicare Payments For At-Home Vaccinations
To increase vaccine incentives and availability, Medicare will now pay providers $75 per at-home vaccination — almost double the previous $40 payment. Other Medicare news is on dental services and the big price tag of the newly approved Alzheimer’s drug.
