Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health concerns.
Viewpoints: Language Regarding Vaccines Is Important; Vaccine Passports May Nudge The Hesitant
Opinion writers delve into these covid and vaccine issues.
India Gets Global Help For Ever-Worsening Covid Outbreak
France, Britain, the U.S. and drugmaker Gilead are just some involved in an effort to assist India battle a devastating covid outbreak–with deaths nearing 200,000. The Philippines, Democratic Republic of Congo, Brussels, and Israel are also in the global news.
Oklahoma, Montana Governors Sign Abortion Bans
Oklahoma’s is a “near-total” ban, while Montana’s ban is for abortions after 20 weeks. Meanwhile, Ohio is set to allow transgender people to change gender markers on their birth certificates, and the AMA urges state lawmakers to block anti-trans health bills.
Aging Population, Delay In Couples Having Kids Take Toll On US Growth
The Census Bureau said Monday that U.S. population growth has slowed to its lowest rate since the Great Depression. Also in the news: hepatitis, agoraphobia, Crohn’s, autism and more.
Experimental ALS Drug OK’d For Some Worst-Case Patients
Biogen’s tofersen drug will be allowed for some patients dying of ALS after an important study concludes this summer. Also in pharmaceutical news: Pharma’s reputation, microbiome therapeutics and a patent battle in Australia.
Adoptees Fight For Access To Their Original Birth Certificates
In other health care news, a 2-year-old gets a new heart in Atlanta; Universal Health Services says it will return its first-quarter CARES money; and researchers highlight a link between borrowing money and overall quality for hospitals.
Yes, You Can Get Covid From Passengers In A Car, Studies Suggest
Other covid research news takes a look at stroke risk, heart inflammation, safety at playgrounds and basketball games, fringe science and more.
Pandemic To Play Starring Role In Biden’s First Address To Congress
Both in the content of President Joe Biden’s speech and in the makeup of the audience, the coronavirus pandemic will hugely influence the Wednesday night event. Drug pricing, “human infrastructure” and other health policies are also expected to be featured.
Biden Admin Aims To Feed 34M Kids This Summer In Large Food Program
Through funds from the recent relief bill, the USDA plan provides about $375 each to buy food for about 10 weeks over the summer break — a time when many kids who depend on school meals can go hungry.
Delayed Updates To Workplace Safety Standards Move To OMB
In a step toward becoming public and going into effect, the Labor Department sent the draft emergency workplace safety rules to the Office of Management and Budget. The covid guidelines were targeted for release on March 15.
Covid Spikes In Young People In Schools And Hospitals
Reports of covid outbreaks in youths, including the death of a first grader, come from Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Outbreaks linked to nursing homes and churches are also in the news.
Vaccinated? CDC Expected To Say You Don’t Need Mask Outdoors
President Joe Biden is scheduled to announce today updated mask guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some Parts Of US Nearing Herd Immunity, NIH Director Says
Dr. Francis Collins said experts don’t know the exact rate of the population that needs protection — either through vaccination or previous covid infection — but said the benchmark is likely “up there around 70, 85%.”
US Will Contribute To Global Supply Of AstraZeneca Vaccine
The Biden administration will share 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca’s covid vaccine — which is currently not approved in the U.S. — to other yet-identified nations.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages weigh in on these public health issues.
Different Takes: Warning Needed On J&J Vaccine; Are Vaccine Passports The Answer To Hesitancy?
Opinion writers tackle these vaccine issues.
Vaccinated US Tourists May Be Allowed To Travel To EU This Summer
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom — which is not a member of the European Union — has vaccinated half of its population. In other global news, a man in Spain with covid symptoms is charged with deliberately infecting 22 people; more than 80 people die in a fire at a hospital in Baghdad; and more.
