Latest KFF Health News Stories
Boosters, Mismatched Doses: Vaccine Innovations May Up Protections
New studies look at the effectiveness of current vaccines, as well as potential booster shots, against coronavirus variants. Researchers are also looking at whether mixing shots from different vaccine makers may increase efficacy as well.
US Supports Temporary Waiver Of Vaccine Intellectual Property Rights
To speed up urgently needed global vaccinations, World Trade Organization is working on a proposal that would waive vaccine makers’ patents, industrial designs and copyrights for a period of time. Despite opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, the Biden administration came out in support of the effort.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: FDA Rules Regarding Supplements Need Improvement; How Can We End Period Poverty?
Editorial writers examine these issues related to supplements, period poverty and nurse practitioners.
Viewpoints: Urgent Action Needed To Stop The Surge In India; How To Convince Rural Vaccine Skeptics
Opinion writers explore Covid issues, vaccine hesitancy, mask mandates and more.
Perspectives: It’s Time To Let Go Of International Reference Pricing
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
India Facing ‘Human Catastrophe’; Surge Spreads To Nepal
As reports discuss the covid outbreak in India and note it’s even impacting Nepal, the country’s delegation to the G7 meeting are isolating in London after members tested positive.
US, Wealthy Nations Start Vaccine Inequality Talks With WTO
In other global news, Europe “turns the corner” on its vaccine rollout; the U.K. is building new labs to develop vaccines; Haiti’s low covid rate is in the spotlight; and reports say 20 million more people were hit by food crises in 2020.
Democrat Vows To Get Drug-Pricing Bill Passed In Any Way Possible
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Indiana Governor Backs Local Health Orders For Fighting Covid
A bill had targeted limiting the orders during emergencies like the pandemic. Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s move came a day after Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis did the exact opposite. Also in the news: anti-abortion laws, veteran medical care in Georgia and police guards in hospitals.
Remote Learning Lifts Pressure Of Racism For Some Black Students
In other news, companies prepare for mental health fallout from covid and lockdowns; Bill and Melinda Gates will retain joint control over their charity after divorcing; and early money-managing troubles are linked to dementia.
Opioid Trial Begins In West Virginia
In his opening statement, lawyer Paul Farrell said McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen wrongfully “sold a mountain of opioid pills into our community, fueling the opioid epidemic.” Other news is on Affinia Therapeutics, Incyte Corp., Theranos and more.
Do You Really Need That Medical Procedure? Maybe Not, Report Suggests
Many hospital doctors continue to perform unnecessary procedures and surgeries, according to the nonpartisan health care think tank Lown Institute. In the U.S., for-profit, non-teaching and Southern hospitals were associated with the highest rates of overuse, Modern Healthcare reports.
US Birth Rate Crashes To Lowest Level Since Records Began
Fewer American women are having babies than ever since the country started tracking birth rates over 100 years ago. 2020’s 4% slump in birth rate was the biggest fall in 50 years, and the pandemic may be to blame.
Pennsylvania Plans Memorial Day Reopening; Philly Will Be Slower
Meanwhile, the New York Times reports on how New York city dwellers are “dizzy” at the sudden shift to reopening. Separately, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to abandon covid protections is resisted by schools and grocery stores.
Lawmakers Slam Organ-Collection Agencies Over Alleged Lax Regulations
One organ procurement organization executive who testified before members of the House Oversight and Reform Committee described said groups like his face no consequences “for letting patients die” even as they reap huge financial gains. And one lawmaker told a story of an organ that wasn’t collected because a CEO was using the organization’s jet while on vacation.
Mask Use Is Slipping, Even For Unvaccinated Americans
As states, cities and counties decide on their own mask rules now that the CDC has updated its guidance for fully vaccinated people, Axios reports on a poll showing many people are changing mask habits–even without getting the shot.
Huge Windfall: Pfizer Will Rake In $26B For Covid Vaccine Sales In 2021
That would make it the biggest-selling pharmaceutical product in the world. The company, which splits its covid vaccine earnings 50-50 with BioNTech, expects demand to continue for years.
If Pandemic Is A Marathon, How Many Miles Are Left To Go? Experts Weigh In
BioNTech founders and Dr. Anthony Fauci comment on what the future path of the coronavirus pandemic could look like.
White House Shifts To Demand-Based Strategy For State Vaccine Allotments
Up until now, covid vaccines have been distributed to the states by population. Going forward, unordered doses will stay in a federal bank from which the Biden administration can allocate to other states where demand is higher, The Washington Post reports.
