Latest KFF Health News Stories
STD Infections Spike In Philadelphia, Especially Among Over 50s
As Philadelphia battles a surge of STD infections, some child care centers in North Carolina have overly-high lead levels in their water supply and Florida lawmakers ban abortions performed if a fetus tests positive for disabilities.
Lawmakers Want Biden’s Spending Bill To Address Medicare Expansion, More
Doctors and health care providers are also pushing Congress to address the physician shortage.
Ineffective Cancer Drugs, Menthol Cigarettes In FDA’s Sights
This Tuesday, the FDA will convene a meeting to reconsider approvals given to some decades-old cancer drugs that have not proved effective over time. A potential ban of menthol cigarettes is also on the table this week.
Pandemic Prompts Hospitals To Review Energy Costs As A Way To Save Money
Other health care industry news is on non-compete agreements at Louisiana’s major hospital systems, insurance waivers, advances in artificial intelligence and more.
Outdoor Mask Wearing May End Soon: Biden To Unveil New CDC Guidance
Ahead of his congressional address, President Joe Biden will announce revised guidance on mask wearing for vaccinated people, CNN reports. Meanwhile, an MIT study says the 6 feet social distance rule is inadequate compared to reducing overall time indoors, and another study shows double-masking is unsupported by science.
Coronavirus Crisis Dominates Biden’s First 100 High-Stakes Days
From the pandemic response and vaccination program to the expansion of access to Obamacare, President Joe Biden has made a flurry of moves that impact U.S. health care policy. News organizations audit his first 100 days in office.
As Vaccination Efforts Slow, Over 5 Million Americans Skip Second Shot
The New York Times reports on how millions of people seem to be skipping their second Pfizer or Moderna covid shot, which is needed for full effectiveness of the vaccine. Bloomberg reports on how the end of the mass vaccination effort may be approaching fast.
Fauci Warns Covid Rate Still Too High
Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke on TV to warn that 50,000 new covid infections a day is too many. Meanwhile, studies show the B.1.1.7 covid variant, first found in the UK, is now the dominant strain in Oregon, and the Los Angeles Times reports on the record 5.7 million new cases reported globally over the weekend.
CDC: Masks At All Times, Windows Open Are The New Summer Camp Rules
Summer camps should try to make most activities outdoors, according to fresh CDC covid guidelines. And while students can be closer than 3 feet, they must wear masks at all times.
Vaccine Hesitancy Is Fading But Still High For Some Areas, Groups
Data show essential workers not in the health care industry may be less likely to accept a covid vaccine. In Wisconsin, areas that voted pro-Trump are seeing low vaccination rates, and a report from Stateline highlights the difficulties in persuading Republican men to get a shot.
Many States Again Using J&J Vaccine After FDA Lifts Safety Pause
Florida reports low demand on the first day of distribution for Johnson & Johnson covid shot since the FDA’s Friday decision. And a new Washington Post-ABC News survey finds that public confidence in the vaccine has taken a hit.
US To Provide Supplies To Help Combat India’s Devastating Covid Outbreak
Partially lifting its pandemic export ban, the U.S. pledged to send test kits, therapeutics, ventilators, PPE and raw materials for vaccines to India as it exceeds daily global records for coronavirus infections.
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India’s Hospitals Beg For Oxygen; Country Starts Mass Cremations
A dramatic surge in covid in India is putting the nation’s health and political systems under serious strain and baffling scientists. Canada and Singapore ban flights from the region to prevent the virus spreading.
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 covid, the secrets of sewage, Alzheimer’s and fitness drones.
Kaiser Permanente Will Pay More Than $11M To Settle Discrimination Lawsuit
In other news, Kansas’ governor joins a list of lawmakers stopping anti-transgender sports bills; a Mormon sex therapist is expelled from the church; and a Massachusetts project proposes expanded telehealth in community health centers.
Long Covid Can Kill Months Later; Opera Singing Helps Some Sufferers
A large study of covid long-haulers shows an elevated risk of death months after infection. A separate study links severe infections with higher risk of long-term issues, while the Smithsonian Magazine reports on the beneficial effects of singing.
Premature Births Linked To Heavy Marijuana Use In Pregnancy
As a study links heavy marijuana use while pregnant with increased risk of premature birth and infant death, Florida’s plans for legalized recreational marijuana stumble and the issue takes a big role in the 2022 Pennsylvania elections.
