Latest KFF Health News Stories
Different Takes: Will We Ever Reach Herd Immunity?; India’s Crisis Requires Worldwide Help
Opinion writers weigh in on Covid, vaccines and herd immunity.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on toxic fumes, birth injuries, allergies, covid and more.
Covid Crisis Deepens And Vaccine Supplies Run Out In India
Meanwhile, covid deaths in Brazil have topped 400,000 victims, with only the U.S. recording more fatalities. A surge is reported developing across South America, including in Uruguay, which was once noted for its control of the disease.
Pfizer Starts Exports Of US-Made Covid Vaccines; Mexico Gets First Batch
As Mexico’s vaccine rollout struggles with a delay of 1.5 million Sinovac doses, Pfizer kicked off its plan to export U.S.-made shots and has delivered some to Mexico.
Florida Health Systems Battle New Organ Transplant Rules
Planned regulations for organ transplant and pediatric cardiac services are at the center of a legal battle in Florida. Medical marijuana, chaplains assisting mental health police calls and Baltimore’s war on drugs are also in the news.
Your Phone’s Soothing ‘Night Mode’? It Won’t Help You Sleep
A new study found no differences in falling asleep faster for users who turn on phones’ warm-colored “night mode” and those who don’t. Among other public health news, diet and exercise habits in pregnancy are linked to lasting health patterns in children.
Pandemic Hit Sales Of Cancer, Arthritis, Diabetes Drugs
Meanwhile, an experimental Alzheimer’s drug seems to help patients with Fragile X syndrome; monoclonal antibodies are in the news again; and a study links dental opioid prescriptions with overdose risk for patients and family members.
‘A’ Grades Go To A Third Of Hospitals In Leapfrog Safety Survey
In other health services news, nurses at Maine’s largest hospital voted to unionize, a study links the pandemic to nurses’ mental health and CMS has extended its joint-replacement model for three more years.
Lockdown Blues Are Melting Away: New York Plans July 1 Full Reopening
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says there will be no restrictions on restaurants, retail or any other businesses. Across the U.S., other reopenings are planned, but experts caution more vaccinations must happen. And the CDC’s mask guidance may be causing confusion.
Scientists Urge WHO To Examine Non-Animal Origins For Covid
The World Health Organization previously reported a link between covid in humans and disease in bats. In other news, obesity and severe diabetes are linked to worse covid outcomes, while high case numbers in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere cause concern.
Montana Health Facilities Warn That Anti-Vax Bill Would End All Visitations
A bill that seems destined for Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk would not allow any business, including all health care facilities, to require any type of vaccination. To protect patients, health care groups say they would require every person to wear a mask, and no visitors would be allowed. That would include expectant fathers or people visiting their elderly parents at a nursing home.
AstraZeneca Behind In Providing Necessary Data For FDA Vaccine Review
Sources tell The Wall Street Journal that the company missed its April target for filing for emergency use authorization and is now expecting to apply in mid-May. The company also revealed in financial reports that it has so far lost money with its covid vaccine.
Nearly One-Third Of Americans Are Now Fully Vaccinated
Many people are shaking off their fears of the Johnson & Johnson shot. Meanwhile, some health officials say that full FDA approval of all covid vaccines could help fight hesitation.
Senate Democrats Will Start Fresh On Drug Pricing Legislation
Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden has spent years trying to push through pharmaceutical drug pricing reforms. But in the current climate, he is ditching previous efforts and has taken on the task of trying to craft a new package.
FDA Set To Ban Menthol Cigarettes, Flavored Cigars
Citing a disproportionate effect on health of African Americans, the FDA will ban manufacturing, import and sales–but not personal possession. Tobacco companies are reportedly “infuriated.”
Mystery Energy Attacks Linked To Illness Suspected Near White House
The Pentagon and other federal agencies are investigating two possible incidents in the D.C. area. The events raise concerns about a link to suspected uses of invisible weapons on U.S. diplomats abroad that have led to illness referred to as “Havana syndrome.”
Covid Will Largely Shape Next 100 Days Of Biden Administration, As Well
At this classic 100-day benchmark, news outlets evaluate the accomplishments of President Joe Biden’s early days in office and look ahead to the next phase of his tenure — especially on family leave and abortion.
Congressional Dems Eye Window Of Opportunity For Medicare Expansion
Though the White House has said it prefers to push such a Medicare measure separately from its proposed $1.8 trillion economic package, Democrats in Congress will pursue pairing the two.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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