Latest KFF Health News Stories
Shipments To Leap 40% Next Week; Feds Will Give States Better Notice
Both vaccine distribution developments are good news for states, which continue to struggle with delays, glitches and long lines.
Biden Lauds Improved Vaccination Pace But Warns Fight Isn’t Over
While saying he was not taking a “victory lap,” President Joe Biden marked a vaccination milestone: “We’re halfway there: 50 million shots in 37 days. That’s weeks ahead of schedule.”
Ultra-Cold Storage Of Pfizer Vaccine No Longer Required By FDA
The FDA approved Pfizer’s application for a change in policy that allows its coronavirus shot to be transported and stored in ordinary freezers. The move could make it easier to administer shots from more locations around the U.S.
FDA Advisory Panel To Review Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine
It’s the final step in the emergency use authorization process. Approval could come this weekend, giving the U.S. a third coronavirus vaccine.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Vaccines To The Rescue In US; High Fives In Israel; Prevent A World Of Have Nots
Opinion writers weigh in on successful results of vaccinating so far and other covid issues as well.
Different Takes: Time To Get Back To Fixing Another Pandemic; This Bill Isn’t About Relief
Editorial pages focus on the public health dangers of gun violence and more.
Cheering Will Be Discouraged At Tokyo Olympics Torch Relay
The heavily-sponsored event begins March 25 and involves 10,000 runners, none of whom will be required to wear masks. News reports look at a lack of confidence about India’s vaccine, a data breach in France and more.
Research Roundup: Covid; Diverticulitis; Antibiotic Resistance; Uterine Fibroids; Cancer Drugs
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Hospital Revenue Likely Will Fall $53B In 2021 — And That’s The Low Estimate
A report from the American Hospital Association said the drop could be as much as $122 billion compared to pre-pandemic levels.
More Gray Skies Are In The Forecast For Pharmaceutical Industry
Stat reports that drug makers should expect their credit ratings to fall this year, according to a new forecast from S&P Global Ratings. Also in the news: Johnson & Johnson’s talc battle, Theranos, Beam Therapeutics, Pfizer’s tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, sepsis, statins and C. elegans.
Disney California Partially Reopening, Disneyland On Hold
In related news about easing of lockdowns, North Carolina’s governor announced bars can start serving people inside and Tennessee will lift visitation restrictions at long-term care facilities.
Children Exposed To Tobacco Smoke Could Get High Blood Pressure
The JAMA report also said these children are more likely to take up smoking. Public health news reports also look at food safety, germ-fighting paints and more.
Reports: Infections Spread At Gyms Without Masking Policies
In other reports on outbreaks, Nature looks at superspreading events held round the world.
To Curb Covid In Schools, Minnesota Asks Families To Test Every 2 Weeks
It’s a recommendation, not a requirement, health officials said. Most districts and charter schools in Minnesota — 88% — already offer some form of in-person learning. Confirmed covid cases among students and staff have increased, with about 400 a week. Other school news is on New York City, Chicago, Georgia and elsewhere.
Uncle Sam Wants You! — To Get A Covid Shot, That Is
Members of the military began delivering jabs of the vaccine in Texas and New York on Wednesday. Also in the news: a Florida official who has been accused of prioritizing affluent ZIP codes and a Pennsylvania health network that reportedly allowed employees’ relatives to be vaccinated.
Mysteries Of Long-Haul Covid Targeted In Federal Research Push
Patients with the syndrome — Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 — experience a wide range of residual symptoms and not much information on how long they will persist. “(There are) a lot of important questions that are now unanswered that we hope with this series of initiatives we will ultimately answer,” Dr. Anthony Fauci says.
What’s In, What’s Out Of Relief Bill? Key Measures Face Senate Ruling
As the House prepares to vote tomorrow on the stimulus legislation, the package will be shaped by the Senate parliamentarian’s rulings that could trim its minimum wage hike and other major provisions.
Variants ‘Stand To Reverse’ Ground Gained Against New Covid Infections
As new cases continue to decline, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky and other top U.S. health officials worry that the new forms of the coronavirus could undermine that progress.
CDC Launches ‘VaccineFinder’ Website
After providing your ZIP code, the portal displays a list of pharmacies and stores nearby that offer covid shots. It also tells you if they are out of stock. Clicking on a particular retailer will allow you to check appointment availability through that store’s website.
