Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Preparing To OK Pfizer Covid Vaccine For Kids Ages 12 To 15
The Food and Drug Administration is expected early next week to expand emergency use authorization of the Pfizer vaccine to all Americans aged 12 or older. Pfizer is also preparing to file an application for full FDA approval by the end of May.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages delve into these public health issues and more.
Opinion writers tackle covid, vaccines and herd immunity.
WHO Adds Moderna Vaccine To Its Global Covid Vaccination Effort
The emergency use authorization means Moderna’s vaccine can be part of the COVAX initiative. Separately, Pfizer has revealed it’s sending 4.5 million doses of its vaccine to South Africa, and China may produce Russia’s Sputnik V version.
High Death Rate Of Black Mothers In Illinois Rings Warning Bells
The rate of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women in Illinois is nearly 3 times higher than that of white women. Meanwhile, a West Texas city votes to ban abortion, and Caitlyn Jenner enters the debate about banning trans girls from sports.
Scientists Investigate Link Between Tear Gas And Abnormal Periods
Protesters who inhaled tear gas are reporting many cases of abnormal menstruation, prompting an academic investigation. On Friday, a federal judge forbade Columbus, Ohio, police from using force or tear gas against peaceful protesters.
Newborn Screening Prioritized During Ongoing Pipette Shortage
In other pharmaceutical news, six patients with demential got doses of a gene therapy unapproved in the U.S., by traveling to Mexico; Fox News reports on an “ultra expensive” drug for spinal muscular atrophy; and a lung cancer pill cost is reported by Stat.
Critical care nurses were exhausted before the pandemic ever happened, they say. Other health industry news is on Privia Health, Neuralink, HCA Healthcare and more.
High-Dose Naloxone Nasal Spray Approved To Fight Opioid Overdoses
Opioid news comes from the FDA, West Virginia and a CNN story about children who abused the drugs. Meanwhile, reports reveal lawmakers are pressuring legal marijuana makers to limit the strength of products.
New CMS Rules Cut ACA Out-Of-Pocket Costs, Ease Special Enrollment Qualifications
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid finalized a series of regulations on Friday that will impact the price of and access to 2022 Affordable Care Act exchange plans for some Americans.
Anxiety, Not The Actual Shot, Caused Dozens Of Reactions To J&J Vaccine
The CDC investigated a total of 64 incidents out of 8,624 doses administered by five mass vaccination sites across five different states. Among those, there were 17 instances of syncope, or fainting.
Vaccines Are Being Wasted; Pfizer Will Send Smaller Shipments To Help
As reports note that CVS and Walgreens are having “the lion’s share” of wasted covid vaccines, Pfizer has said that by the end of May it will be shipping smaller packages to reduce unused doses.
Progressive Dems Get Big Boost From Schumer Over Drug-Pricing Push
The Senate majority leader said he supports measures to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices as well as lowering the Medicare eligibility age. But he didn’t say exactly how the measures would move through Congress or whether they would receive a vote in the Senate, The Hill reported.
Masks Stay On For Summer Travelers: Federal Mandate Extended To Sept. 13
Meanwhile, CNN notes President Joe Biden is under political fire for continuing to wear a mask even though CDC advice has changed.
Vaccine Patent Rights Targeted By White House, WTO, Brazil
Sen. Bernie Sanders said the matter is a “moral” responsibility for the U.S. to waive key covid patents. Brazil’s senate, meanwhile, passed a bill allowing a temporary ban on patents for medications that could be used to fight the virus.
Curbs On Travel From India Start May 4 As White House Defends Aid Efforts
Starting tomorrow, entry into the U.S. will be banned for all non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents traveling from India. Meanwhile, the Biden administration faces criticism that it isn’t doing enough to help the covid-ravaged nation.
Spring Wave Of Covid Cases Recedes; ‘Herd Immunity’ May Be Out Of Reach
Hospitalizations are also dropping, even in hard-hit places like Michigan. But public health officials are keeping a careful eye on remaining or emerging hot spots, as well as trends with younger patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Is Telemedicine Being Overused?; Autism Families Need More Support
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
