Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Wants $6.5 Billion For Medical Research
The president proposed the creation of a medical research agency to cure cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. He also wants $400 billion for long-term care of aged Americans.
A New Front In Vaccine Battle: Military Hesitancy
The latest figures shows that almost 40% of Marines have declined to be vaccinated for covid-19. Some have called on President Joe Biden to mandate the shot for members of the U.S. military.
Pfizer Seeks FDA Approval For Vaccinating Younger Teens
The vaccine maker revealed a week ago that its vaccine was effective in a late-stage trial in younger teens between 12 and 15. In other vaccine news, more colleges will mandate vaccines before the fall, and worries emerge that covid variants will upset school reopenings.
Unvaccinated Young People Driving Latest Covid Spikes
Despite an increasing pace of vaccinations, several states are experiencing a surge in covid cases — and covid hospitalizations.
Regeneron Says Covid Antibody Drug Also Effective As Preventive
The drugmaker says a single shot of its monoclonal antibody treatment reduced the chances of developing covid after exposure to the virus by 81%, which suggests it could be effective as a preventive. Regeneron is now seeking FDA approval for this.
Whitmer Presses For Vaccine ‘Surge’ To Hard-Hit Michigan
So far, the Biden administration has said that it will not allocate additional supply to hot spots while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to make her case. Federal officials said it would deploy other aid to increase testing.
Reactions To Johnson & Johnson Covid Vaccine Cause Rollout Problems
Eight people in Georgia suffered adverse reactions to taking the J&J vaccine, causing the state to pause vaccinations — at least the third state to encounter this issue. The CDC is evaluating the situation.
Perspectives: Genome Sequencing Crucial In Sick Infant Care; Are Youth Sports Hurting Kids?
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: American Rescue Plan Will Expand ACA; U.S. Laws On Foreign-Trained Doctors Too Rigid
Editorial pages confront these public health topics.
Viewpoints: Should Masks Stay Post-Pandemic?; Health Care Provider Burnout Needs Swift Attention
Opinion writers tackle these covid issues.
Other Countries Struggle To Get Residents Vaccinated
Russia and Slovakia are in a dispute over the Russian Sputnik vaccine. News on vaccination programs is also from Germany, Italy and Japan.
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 mental health, covid, addiction, HIV, homelessness, menopause, coffee drinking and more.
Fauci Says PPE Shortages Led To Many Health Worker Deaths
In other news about health care workers, Congress is urged to increase funding for training for pediatricians, and a nurse at an assisted-living center was charged with assault after breaking the fingers of a patient.
Florida Governor Wants Cruise Ships Sailing
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is suing the federal government over cruise line prohibitions. News is also from Texas, Maryland, Indiana and Louisiana.
Another Pandemic Impact: A Mountain of Discarded PPE
The sheer volume of used and discarded masks, gowns and other protective gear generated by the pandemic might cause a problem. In other health care industry news, Michigan hospitals curb elective surgeries because of yet another covid surge there.
Many Lack Health Coverage Before Pregnancy And After Giving Birth
A new study looks at the problems for women getting proper care for pregnancy. Medicaid often provides health care once a woman is pregnant, but in those important months before conception and after the birth of her baby, a woman may not have access to the federal-state program. Some states, including Florida, are looking at extending coverage after the woman delivers her child.
Suicides Drop During The Pandemic
In other news, a baby comes home from the hospital after 700 days, and a woman discovers she is pregnant the old-fashioned way after getting pregnant through a medical procedure.
Study: Learning Stunted By Pandemic
A Dutch study says school closures hurt learning, one of many that have reached that seemingly obvious conclusion. But questions are being raised whether measuring that learning loss harms children.
CDC’s Director Sets Sights On Health Threats Of Systemic Racism
Racism is a “serious public health threat” according to Director Rochelle Walensky, as she revealed a new “Racism and Health” initiative, which is intended to drive change as well as study the issue.
