Latest KFF Health News Stories
White House Indicates Covid Vaccine Passports Are A Private Sector Matter
Messaging from the White House suggests that there is no federal mandate for rolling out covid vaccine passport systems, leaving the matter to the private sector. Other reports highlight the potential scam issues such passports may bring.
Over 20 World Leaders Call For Pandemic Cooperation Treaty
Official signatures from the U.S. and China were absent from a letter calling for future pandemic planning published in newspapers around the world. Meanwhile, worries deepen that the WHO’s report on the coronavirus’ source is inconclusive.
Moderna, Pfizer Covid Vaccines Shown Highly Effective In Real-Life Use
A new U.S. study shows that when covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are used in real-world applications — when given to 4,000 healthcare workers, other essential workers — they are 90% effective at preventing serious covid infections.
Biden: 90% Of Americans Eligible For Covid Vaccine By April 19
President Joe Biden confidently declared that at least 90% of U.S. adults will be eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines by April 19. States follow with expanded eligibility requirements. Meanwhile, all the “Operation Warp Speed” trappings have been jettisoned by the Biden administration.
‘Impending Doom’: Biden, CDC Director Warn Of Fourth Wave If Nation Lets Down Guard
President Joe Biden urged states to maintain or reinstate mask mandates and for Americans to remain cautious: “This is deadly serious.” At a briefing earlier in the day, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said she is “scared” over the direction the covid case numbers are taking in the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Is AI The Future Of Health Care?; Opioid Settlement Money Must Be Used Wisely
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Vaccine Hesitancy Due To Government Distrust; Kids Vaccine Needed To End Pandemic
Opinion writers weigh in on vaccines and adolescent mental health.
Nearly 4,000 Brazilians A Day Are Dying From Covid
Global health news is reported from Brazil, Mexico, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and France.
Georgia’s Re-Opening Plan Defied Local Health Experts’ Advice
In news from across the U.S., Georgia’s plan to un-lockdown ignored expert health advice; weddings in Oahu, Hawaii can now have 100 guests if they’re held outside; and Florida’s governor threatens to sue the CDC if it continues its summer ban on cruise ships.
Child Welfare Safety Net Suffers In Pandemic; Summer Camps May Be On
The AP notes the number of official reports related to children’s welfare, including abuse investigations, have dropped at a “staggering” rate during the pandemic. Meanwhile Dr. Anthony Fauci suggests unvaccinated children could still go to summer camp. And better air flow is seen key to safe school re-openings.
Researchers Say Middle-Aged Women Have Higher Long-Covid Risks
In other news, the FDA has cleared Amazon to develop its own brand at-home covid test; scientists may have learned why cold foods cause tooth pain; and new research suggests some human brain cells remain highly active after death.
How The Pandemic Reshaped Health Care Costs And Practices
“Skyrocketing” healthcare costs during the pandemic cause concern while health systems’ charity-care spending dropped. And telehealth changes could become permanent. And the FDA approves the first personalized cell treatment for patients with multiple myeloma.
Long-Term Mental Health Impact Of Pandemic ‘Grief’ Highlighted
Worry and uncertainty caused by covid may have a bigger than expected mental health toll, the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile anti-smoking efforts may have suffered due to the stress of the pandemic.
Sanders Urges Dems To Target Drug Prices Through Medicare Changes
Sen. Bernie Sanders wants to add major changes to Medicare and drug pricing policy to a massive infrastructure bill in the works, that Democrats hope to push through via budget reconciliation.
Biden’s Medicaid Push Gets Support Boost From Stimulus
As reports suggest stimulus cash is helping boost President Joe Biden’s plan to expand Medicaid, the administration says the next package will be split in two. Child care spending is emphasized in the plan, but infrastructure upgrades will come before health and family spends.
Flood Of Newly Eligibles Primed To Pump Up Vaccine Demand
All adults in six states will be able to be vaccinated starting today, with many more states also moving in that direction.
Biden Administration Plans Switch To Local Covid Vaccine Distribution
The move is a response to sluggish mass covid vaccine sites and efforts, and the White House’s hope is that working with trusted local groups will fix vaccine hesitancy. In other news a temporary vaccine IP suspension is considered, and a looming “glut” of unused vaccines raises worries.
11 Million New Johnson & Johnson Covid Vaccine Doses Due This Week
As J&J ramps up supply to meet its covid vaccine targets, Emergent BioSolutions is in the spotlight for its role in the production delays. Other development news: Pfizer begins testing its vaccine on children under 12; worries swirl about limited compensation for covid vaccine injuries; and researchers work toward more inclusive drug trials.
Slow Trump Admin Response Blamed For Most Covid Deaths After First Wave
Six former administration officials opened up to CNN. Dr. Deborah Birx stated that “most” of the covid-related deaths in later waves could have been avoided by swifter moves by the Trump White House. Dr. Anthony Fauci also commented on the challenges.
