Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Covid-19 Vaccine Vial Used In The US Becomes A Museum Piece
The vial that was used on America’s first coronavirus vaccine recipient is now a historic artifact, property of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Meanwhile, studies say it’s safe to use a face mask during intense exercise, and other reports link steroid use to bodybuilder’s testicular damage.
White House Urged To Install A Permanent Leader At The FDA
As worries emerge about the FDA’s stance on drug review processes, the Biden administration faces pressure to finally nominate a permanent commissioner to lead the agency, which has a critical role in ending the pandemic.
Over Twice As Many Americans Now Qualify For Yearly Lung Cancer Scans
New guidelines released by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that all Americans between 50 and 80 who smoke or quit smoking in the past 15 years should get annual screenings. Insurers can’t charge a copay to people who meet the criteria.
LA Schools, Teachers Union Reach Deal To Reopen After Months Of Squabbles
The union, one of the most powerful in the country, took a hard line on vaccinations as a prerequisite for reopening the nation’s second-largest school district. No specific date was given for reopening.
Covid Cases Back Down To Mid-October Levels
That’s still around 58,000 new cases a day. Dr. Anthony Fauci worries that new coronavirus infections on the U.S. may “plateau again at an unacceptably high level.” Hospitalizations are also down.
Massive Covid Relief Package On Verge Of Passing
The House is expected to vote today on the $1.9 trillion legislation that is packed with measures that will reach far beyond the $1,400 relief checks.
Covid Vaccine Eligibility Expands To Include Even More Americans
Some states like New York and Florida are now targeting younger age groups and others are including a broader range of preconditions and employment roles in their pandemic vaccine priority lists. But a new poll suggests 25% of people will still refuse.
Vaccination Appointments Flooded, Misused In Some Places, Go Unfilled In Others
In Pasadena, California, ineligible sign ups forced a vaccination clinic to close. Meanwhile, two mass sites in Utah are running below capacity. Vaccine rollout news from other states is in the news too.
Alaska Is First State To Expand Vaccinations To All Approved Ages
Anyone 16 and older — the age cutoff for FDA approval of the vaccine — can now get a shot in Alaska. Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the stage a “game changer.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle mental health issues, pregnancy and asbestos exposure.
Opinion writers weigh in on vaccinations and the global pandemic.
Global Manufacturers Push Biden To Protect Covid Drug Patents
The WTO is considering a pharmaceutical patent rights waiver to boost coronavirus efforts in poorer nations, but drugmakers want President Joe Biden to say no. Meanwhile Russia’s vaccine will be made in Switzerland, and the Pope defends his Iraq visit.
Schools No Longer Out For Covid As Cities Start Announcing Reopenings
At a pandemic turning point, New York City and L.A. authorities plan to reopen some schools. Elsewhere in the U.S., states battle with nursing home covid controversies, and pharmacies get the OK to administer birth control pills.
Coronavirus Lawsuits Begin For Disney’s Cruise Line
A group of tourists sue Disney, alleging they caught coronavirus aboard a cruise ship in early 2020. Other news includes phobia-inducing worries about injection imagery and undocumented immigrants battling the pandemic with no safety net.
Drugmakers’ Reversals Spark Debate Over FDA’s Accelerated Approvals
A trial of Tecentriq, a Roche drug that was granted accelerated approval in 2016 to treat bladder cancer, has shown that the drug failed to improve overall survival, Stat reports. Last month, AstraZeneca experienced a similar problem with Imfinzi.
Viruses Contracted On Spring Break Don’t Stay On Spring Break
As health professionals and disease experts plead with Americans to avoid the vacation trap, some schools are canceling or shortening their breaks to discourage students from heading to party destinations.
House Waits For Stimulus Bill From Senate; Vote Could Slip A Day
If approved in the House — which it’s expected to be, as progressive Democrats signal their support — President Joe Biden pledges to sign the legislation as soon as it reaches his desk.
As Covid Variant Worries Continue, WHO Warns World Is At ‘Risky’ Stage
Houston and Florida are experiencing a spread of the more infectious UK coronavirus variant, as the World Health Organization issues a warning that this is no time to relax in the battle against the virus.
Major Study Finds Obesity Significantly Increases Risk Of Dying From Covid
The higher the patient’s body mass index, the higher the risk, the study of nearly 150,000 adults found. In other covid news: Many long-haulers were asymptomatic during their initial infection, research shows.
