Latest KFF Health News Stories
Becerra Advancing Toward HHS Confirmation After Routine Hearings
A second hearing, this time before the Senate Finance committee, touched on the pandemic, abortion, the Affordable Care Act and other key health policy issues that Xavier Becerra would be tasked with if approved to run the Department of Health and Human Services.
White House To Send 25M Masks To Health Centers, Food Banks
The Biden’s administration aims to provide more protective equipment for Americans in vulnerable or low-income communities.
Moderna To Trial Vaccine Booster Against Variant Found In South Africa
Moderna shipped doses of a new experimental covid-19 vaccine to the National Institutes of Health to study if it provides better protection against the variant.
Shipments Of J&J’s Shot To States May Start Next Week
The FDA is expected to authorize emergency use of Johnson & Johnson’s covid vaccine this weekend. The White House says initial deliveries of 3 million to 4 million doses would start soon after.
‘Real World’ Use Shows Pfizer Vaccine To Be 94% Effective: Study
A study of 1.2 million people who have received two doses of Pfizer’s covid vaccine shows the shot to be highly effective — just short of the 95% efficacy demonstrated in controlled clinical trials.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As President Joe Biden attempts to fill his cabinet, editorial pages focus on important qualities needed from leaders in those positions.
Editorial pages focus on the challenges older people of color face in getting vaccinated and other topics, as well.
Ghana Is First Nation To Receive Covid Shots Through Covax Global Initiative
The West African country received 600,000 AstraZeneca shots after proving it could distribute them quickly. Other news is from the U.K., China, Australia and elsewhere.
Perspectives: PBMs Are Key To Solving High Drug Costs; Basic Biopharma Research Helps Everyone
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Will This Be The Year Congressional Democrats Rein In High Drug Costs?
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Virginia Repeals Ban On Abortion Coverage Through Exchanges
Also, the Boston Globe looks at ways that President Joe Biden can fulfill a campaign pledge to protect abortion rights. News reports are on legislation in North Carolina related to autism therapy and more.
Pandemic Making You Flabby? Turn Off The TV And Exercise, Experts Urge
“[I’ve] seen a large number of people who have gained 10 to 15 pounds,” said one physician at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose. In other public health news: prediabetes, Zoom fatigue, addiction, food insecurity and more. Also: Golf great Tiger Woods is “responsive and recovering” after a car crash and emergency surgery.
Ascension Says It’s Expanding Test Of Controversial Google Tool
The tool, dubbed “Care Studio,” brings together patients’ health data from separate systems across inpatient and outpatient facilities and makes it searchable for clinicians, Modern Healthcare writes. Critics have raised concerns about patient privacy protections.
As Shortages Ease, HHS Says It Will Stop Allocating Antibody Drugs
Health care providers should now order Eli Lilly and Regeneron’s drugs directly from AmerisourceBergen, the sole distributor. They will still be free, Becker’s Hospital Review reports. Other pharmaceutical and biotech news is on RHB-107, Theranos and glucose monitors.
Biden To Target Ongoing Supply Chain Issues For PPE, Other Health Supplies
President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order that will try to smooth manufacturing limitations for products crucial to managing and containing the pandemic.
Stimulus Bill Rolling Toward Friday Vote In House
Meanwhile, a group of business executives endorse the package while Republicans signal that this could be the first covid relief package that receives zero Republican votes of support.
Becerra Defends Experience, Testifies On Insurance Access, Health Costs
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra faces a second committee hearing today for his nomination as Department of Health and Human Services secretary. Stat also reports on a fresh line of attack from Republicans: that Becerra is not sympathetic enough to the pharmaceutical industry.
Study: Higher Covid Risks For Adults With Down Syndrome
The lead author of the study said it emphasizes the need to vaccinate the population, many of whom live in group homes. News reports look at how wearing glasses can protect you from covid and more.
Highly Contagious California Variant Might Evade Vaccines, Experts Warn
Scientists raise concerns that if B.1.427/B.1.429 combines with the variant identified in the United Kingdom, that mutation could be an even more dangerous strain.
