Latest KFF Health News Stories
Ray Of Hope: Models For Future Covid Deaths Revised More Optimistically
But a big variable is the impact of coronavirus variants on the trajectory of infections. Disease experts fear the U.S. may be just weeks away from cases spiking back up for a spring surge before falling again by summer.
Vaccine Rollout At Prisons Dips Below General Population
News reports focus on vaccine rates for mentally and physically challenged people, communities of color and in indigenous people, as well.
Vulnerable Groups Frustrated By Ongoing Lack Of Access To Shots
Months into the rollout, people with high-risk conditions, like cancer patients, or frequent virus exposure, like grocery workers, are still waiting to find out when they can get vaccinated.
Weekly Vaccine Deliveries To Increase, While Makers Pledge Big Supply Bump
Federal distribution of vaccine doses to the states will go up by one million each week, the Biden administration says.
FDA Experts Endorse Covid Vaccine By Johnson & Johnson; Panel Meets Friday
The single-dose shot doesn’t require special refrigeration. Although its level of protection against getting infected with covid is not as high as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, health experts stress that the J&J shot helps where it matters most: by preventing hospitalization and death.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and other health care issues, as well.
Parsing Policy: Government’s Messaging About Covid Needs To Remain Strong
As the nation hit a grim milestone of 500,000 covid deaths, editorial pages focus on leadership mistakes and ways to avoid losing tens of thousands more Americans while getting the economy back on track.
Russia’s First Shipment Of Sputnik V Vaccine Arrives In Mexico
Mexico joins other Latin American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia and Venezuela, in approving the use of the Russian vaccine. Several Latin American countries claim Pfizer demands have been excessive.
Oscar Health IPO Could Shake Up Digital Health Industry
Its plan to go public for more than $1 billion makes it the largest public debut by a health tech startup so far this year, Modern Healthcare reports.
New Jersey Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
Voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure last November that changed the state constitution to allow for marijuana legislation. News is also on a bill banning all abortions in Arkansas and more.
TikTok Adds Features To Support People With Eating Disorders
About 1 in 7 people will experience an eating disorder problem. Media outlets also report on news about cancer risks linked to acid reflux, mental health, and more.
Pharmaceutical Supply Shortages Are A Growing Risk, Report Warns
The report from the American Society of Health-system Pharmacists says covid, trade restrictions, technology failures or breaches could cause widespread disruptions in delivery.
Small Study Details Lingering Symptoms For Covid Patients
Many participants reported having at least one symptom nearly six months later. The most common symptom reported was fatigue or loss of smell or taste.
People Who Got Flu Vaccine Less Likely To Get Covid, New Study Shows
If they did get infected, they were less likely to need hospitalization or mechanical ventilation, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) reported, citing a study in the American Journal of Infection Control.
Supreme Court To Review Trump Abortion Rules For Family Planning Funds
Abortion-rights advocates are challenging a Trump administration regulation that bars any health care provider that receives Title X funding from referring a patient for an abortion.
Becerra Confirmation Hearings Expected To Be Combative
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra will testify before two Senate committees over the next two days, with Republicans opposed to his nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Vaccine Scam?: Patients Warned Not To Give Out Personal Info On Phone
People in Michigan say someone has called them to schedule a supposed vaccine appointment and then asks for personal and financial information. The caller claims he or she is a public health worker.
Avalanche Of Pfizer, Moderna Shots Coming In Weeks, Companies Say
Their supply of covid vaccines is likely to double or even triple, company officials said in a prepared statement that’s scheduled to be made before a House subcommittee today. Other news is from Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi.
FDA Eases Path For Quicker Covid Vaccine Booster Approvals
With virus variants posing a threat to vaccination efforts, the Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance for manufacturers on a streamlined authorization process for covid booster shots.
