Latest KFF Health News Stories
North Carolina Advances Abortion Ban; Governor Likely To Veto
The bill, which bans the procedure based on race, sex or a Down syndrome diagnosis, may be vetoed when it reaches the governor’s desk. Rising flu in Texas, dog attacks on mail deliverers and Louisiana ending jobless benefits are also in the news.
Delayed Childhood Vaccines May Cause A ‘Serious Health Threat’ After Covid
The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned that the slump in childhood vaccinations during the pandemic may cause big long-term problems. Separately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes an unusual wave of RSV cases sweeping Southern states.
NIH’s Plan To Tackle Structural Racism Faces Criticism
The National Institutes of Health is the largest funder of biomedical research in the U.S. Meanwhile, med school cheating, nursing staff burnout caused by bad electronic health records and shortages of rural health care staff in North Carolina are also in the news.
UnitedHealthcare Pauses Plans To Scrutinize ER Visit Payments
UnitedHealthcare delayed its plan to examine and possibly claw back money from emergency room payments, after facing pushback from hospitals and doctors. Ransomware, covid-sniffing dogs and rising demand for mental health care are also in the news.
Unapproved Covid Test Kits Recalled By FDA
The Food and Drug Administration has accused Innova Medical Group of Pasadena, California, of falsifying data and distributing covid tests that lack regulatory approval. Meanwhile, a fact check finds that President Joe Biden is keeping his promise of increased covid testing.
Third FDA Panel Member Quits Over Approval of Alzheimer’s Drug
Aaron Kesselheim, director of Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law and who had served on the committee since 2015, said the FDA approval of Biogen’s Aduhelm “was probably the worst drug approval decision in recent U.S. history.”
If Your State Clamped Down On Covid Like California, It Fared Better
In other Californian news, mask-wearing becomes a debate over symbolism; confusing mask rules “baffle” businesses; the Los Angeles teachers union will require masks and covid tests in schools; and public health spending is debated.
CDC To Hold ‘Emergency’ Talks On Alleged Link Between Covid Shots, Myocarditis
The meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 18. Health officials say the cases of heart inflammation have been rare but still higher than expected among adolescents and young adults who received their second shot of one of the mRNA jabs.
New Safety Rules Issued By OSHA To Protect Health Workers In ‘Grave Danger’
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued emergency requirements for health care providers that aim to guard employees during the ongoing pandemic. They include PTO for vaccinations, physical barriers and notifications of exposure.
Ohio Governor Slams Bill, Says Vaccines Prevent ‘Great, Great, Great Suffering’
A controversial anti-vax bill in Ohio would weaken the state’s vaccination laws. The bill drew national attention after some people urging passage of the bill claimed the covid vaccine would “magnetize” you. (It won’t.) Other news on the vaccine rollout is from Washington state, Alaska, Georgia, Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Pandemic Not Over: More People Died In First Part Of 2021 Than All Of 2020
Despite increasing vaccinations in wealthier nations, the pace of deaths due to covid continues to rise as the official death tally surpasses 1.88 million people around the world. And the rise of more contagious and deadlier variants worries global health officials.
Moderna Seeks FDA Vaccine Clearance For Kids From 12 To 17
The application for emergency use approval follows a study of more than 3,700 adolescents in which no covid cases were observed among those who received Moderna’s two-dose regimen. Four cases occurred in the placebo group. Separately, FDA vaccine advisers meet to debate vaccine protocols for kids.
Still Good To Use: J&J Boosts Shelf Life Of Covid Shots; Feds Pause Shipments
In February, the FDA authorized the vaccine for up to three months. A new FDA review has concluded that the shots remain safe and effective for at least 4 1/2 months.
Biden Says US Donations Will ‘Supercharge’ Global Vaccine Campaigns
Shipments of the first tranche of doses will start in August, President Joe Biden said on the eve of the G7 meeting in the United Kingdom. Leaders joining the summit are pledging a total of a billion doses — including 500 million from the U.S. — to share with poorer nations.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle Covid’s origins, the Delta variant, isolation and pandemic preparedness.
Editorial writers delve into these various public health matters.
Research Roundup: Physician Stress, Covid, Flu Vaccine, Dementia And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
UK, US Will Ease Mutual Travel Restrictions As Soon As Possible
In other news, a surge in cases of the Delta covid variant causes worries that the U.K. will have to suspend its reopening plans despite high vaccination levels; the U.S.-Canada border will mostly stay closed; and China steps up covid restrictions as it suffers an outbreak.
Nevada Becomes Second State To Offer Public Health Insurance Option
Separately, Florida’s Board of Medicine will revamp an old rule for medication-assisted weight loss that’s “out of step” with modern standards. Massachusetts’ taxed foster system, Georgia’s poor health rankings, and military medical services in Kentucky are among the other state stories covered today.
