Latest KFF Health News Stories
Good Numbers For Alzheimer’s Drug Provoke Cautious Response
Experts sound a note of caution about possible influence of side effects and diversity issues in a study of Eli Lilly’s promising drug. Meanwhile, there is progress with drugs to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy and a cancer treatment from Rubius.
OxyContin Settlement Grows To $4.28B
The restructuring plan with Purdue Pharma includes another $1.5 billion and also ensures that the money will largely be spent to help curb the nation’s opioid crisis, rather than going into states’ general coffers, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Red Cross Blood Donations Show Many Likely Had Covid But Didn’t Know It
More than 20% of donations from unvaccinated people had covid antibodies, CNN reports.
White House’s Plans For Workplace Mask Standards Face A Delay
With discussions ongoing, President Joe Biden’s plan for a national mask standard for workplaces will miss its deadline. In other news the White House is rolling back covid tests for its own staffers, and the administration comments on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s vaccine czar controversy.
CDC Probe Finds Trump Administration’s Covid Policies Not Guided Enough By Science
The Trump White House’s coronavirus guidance was at times influenced too much by political appointees and not enough by federal scientists, determines a new CDC review conducted in an effort to restore faith in the beleaguered health agency.
Is US Surge Of Highly Contagious Variant Inevitable?
The B.1.1.7 variant is poised to become the dominant strain in the U.S. but public health officials say future infection numbers depend on Americans’ precautions. Meanwhile a new study confirms fears that it is more deadly than other variants. In related news: a new variant is discovered in France.
To Boost Covid Vaccination Rate, CMS Bumps Up Medicare Provider Payments
The Biden administration has raised the average figure Medicare pays providers giving out covid vaccines from $28 to $40 for single-dose shots and $45 to $80 for double doses. The move is to encourage providers to give more vaccinations.
With Two ‘Giant Goals’ Almost Met, Biden Hitting Road To Promote Them
The president will crisscross the nation on a “Help is here” tour to cheer passage of his covid-relief legislation and the nearly-there inoculation of 100 million Americans.
States Dramatically Expand Vaccine Access, Prompting A Race To Sign Up
Mississippi, Georgia and California are adding millions of new places in their vaccination lists. But areas like the suburbs of Philadelphia are still struggling with supply of the vaccines, and some groups are still reluctant to be vaccinated.
Moderna Starts Covid Vaccine Testing On Children Aged 6 Months To 11 Years
In addition to testing its existing coronavirus vaccine on young children, Moderna is also starting to test a next-generation version of the vaccine that is storable at a higher, more refrigerator-friendly temperature.
Trump, Doctors, Ministers Urged To Carry Vaccine Message To Republicans
As polls show strong hesitancy among Republicans, some Biden administration officials call on former President Donald Trump to more forcefully encourage his supporters to get vaccinated. President Joe Biden says that education efforts by doctors and preachers could be more effective though.
It’s Too Soon To Know If AstraZeneca’s Shot Caused Blood Clots, Experts Say
While investigations are underway, there is yet no evidence of a link to severe adverse effects and many health experts say nations are reacting prematurely. And they worry that even if AstraZeneca’s vaccine is proven safe, the damage is done to public confidence.
More European Countries Pause Use Of AstraZeneca’s Covid Vaccine
Concerns over reports of blood clots in people who received that particular shot have led Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden to join the list of nations to stop using it. Other countries, like Canada and Thailand, take steps to reassure their citizens that the AstraZeneca jab is safe.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Ebola Experts Stunned After Tests Show Recent Cases Linked To 2014 Outbreak
Genetic sequencing has shown that a man who survived Ebola during the 2014-16 outbreak in West Africa has almost certainly started the new outbreak in Guinea that has killed at least nine people. The discovery has profound implications, The New York Times reports.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
States Face Rising Drug Overdose Numbers During The Pandemic
Drug overdose cases are reportedly up during the pandemic, a fact reflected in record CDC figures for overdose deaths in the year up to May 2020. At the same time, reports suggest fewer smokers are quitting and research says more than 50% of covid survivors suffer depression disorders.
High-Profile Figures Voice Relief, Gratitude After Getting Their Shot
As the U.S. rollout expands, members of an NBA team get vaccinated while Yo-Yo Ma plays for the waiting area of another site after getting his shot.
Covid Vaccines Are Exceeding Experts’ Expectations; Future Holds Boosters
With more people around the world vaccinated, scientists and disease experts are encouraged by how well the shots are performing, even with emerging virus variants.
Facebook Moves Against Vaccine Misinformation
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the social media company will be labeling all posts that contain information about covid-19 vaccines as well as launching a tool to help people find available vaccine sites nearby. The news comes as a study shows some non-rule-breaking content shared on Facebook helped spread vaccine mistrust.
