Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As The Pandemic Drags On, Demand For Psychologists, Therapists Soars
In a November poll of nearly 1,800 psychologists in the American Psychological Association, nearly 30% said they were seeing more patients overall, with 74% seeing more patients with anxiety disorders compared with before the pandemic.
Federal Judge Tosses Hospitals’ Lawsuit Over 340B Drug Discount Program
District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said providers should use a new HHS dispute resolution process to try to resolve their issues before turning to the courts, Stat reports. Other news is on Humacyte, the AMR Action Fund and pharmaceutical reps.
Opinion writers weigh in on how policy makers can apply public health lessons from this pandemic to the future and more.
For Previously Infected People, France Considers One Vaccine Dose
The country’s health advisory committee says one shot would act like a booster shot. News is also from Brazil, China, Guinea, Congo and New Zealand.
South Carolina Bans Most Abortions As Governor Signs ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Bill
Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights challenged the measure Thursday, asking a federal judge to block the law, CNN reported.
Study: Asthma, Diabetes Among Top 5 Conditions Costing Billions
After reviewing claims of 57 nationwide employer programs, UnitedHealthcare said it found ways to improve health and lower costs. News looks at covid risks for LGBT people of color, cancellation of the Ivy League’s spring sports schedule and more.
As Covid Variants Spread, CDC Director Warns Of ‘Pandemic Fatigue’
Coronavirus cases are trending down, but new variants, complications and people tiring of pandemic restrictions concern scientists and the CDC.
Government Workers Having Trouble Finding Covid Shots, Too
The slow rollout has left those who are on the front lines of diplomacy — people who are the face of America in other countries — more vulnerable as new variants emerge, PBS reports. News on shot distribution is also reported from Florida, D.C., Massachusetts and elsewhere.
Trials Begin For Covid Vaccination During Pregnancy
Pregnant women were excluded from the initial Pfizer-BioNTech clinical trials. The trial participants are 18 and older and anywhere from 24 to 34 weeks into their pregnancy.
Weather-Fueled Chain Reaction Disrupts Vaccinations Across US
Vaccine appointments are being postponed even for many people in areas not even hit by severe winter weather events because of shipping delays.
White House’s Virus Relief Spending Plan Takes Shape
President Joe Biden’s plan for wages and stimulus checks moves forward amid concerns about the state of the workforce and unemployment.
Biden To Commit $4 Billion To Bolster Global Vaccine Initiative
In a reversal of the Trump administration’s stance, President Joe Biden will contribute funds to Covax, an international venture to source and distribute vaccines to try to ensure poor countries aren’t left behind.
Water Shortages Hit Hospitals, Texans After Winter Storm
As cold weather continues, medical facilities across Texas struggle with reduced water pressure, as contaminated water issues impact the state.
Pfizer Shot Is 85% Effective In Single Dose, May Not Need Ultracold Storage: Study
Based on the latest findings of an Israeli study, Pfizer and BioNTech have told the FDA that ordinary freezers may be used to store its covid vaccine, which could help accelerate distribution.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to sit back and enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on covid-19, antibodies, the Tokyo Olympics, surrogacy, food waste, Bill Gates and more.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Too Big A Relief Bill; US Is Moving In Right Direction On Vaccine Front
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
‘It’s Embarrassing’: US Diplomats Seek Covid Shots From Less-Wealthy Nations
At least 13 foreign governments offered to inoculate U.S. officials serving abroad with their own supplies of U.S.-made Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, senior U.S. officials told The Washington Post. Other global news is from the E.U., Indonesia, South Africa, Tanzania, Brazil and Australia.
Research Roundup: MIS-C; Repurposed Antiviral Drugs; Tuberculosis; HUS; Typhoid Fever
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
