Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and more.
For Sale Or Swap: At Least 1M Doses Of AstraZeneca Vaccine From South Africa
The country halted its rollout of the shot when studies showed it was not effective enough against the pervasive 501Y.V2 variant. South Africa’s health minister says he will consider a trade or sale. Other news is from Japan, China and Tanzania.
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 skittish scientists, mental health professionals, eating better, how to improve the medical system and more.
Abortion-Rights Bill Gains Senate Approval in N.M.
Other news from states across the nation touches on drug affordability, HIV, the Minnesota health clinic shooting, homelessness and more.
Cars That Women Choose To Drive May Be To Blame For Injuries, Study Finds
Women more often drive lighter, smaller cars than men. The findings suggest that car-safety researchers may need to build crash-test dummies that better account for physical differences.
After Previous Mixed Results, Arthritis Drug Found To Help Severe Covid
Roche’s intravenous drug tocilizumab reduced the need for a mechanical ventilator and shortened the length of hospitalization, Stat reports. Other pharmaceutical and biotech news is on the opioid settlement as well as a Fresenius Kabi unit, Amicus Therapeutics, Pacific Biosciences and more.
Upset With Staffing Levels, 800 Nurses In Massachusetts Vote To Go On Strike
Other health care industry news is on how to improve the vaccination process, what Amazon is doing to curb covid outbreaks among its workers, Health Policy Valentines from KHN and more.
Ky. Lawmakers Advance Controversial Bill That Would Let Doctors Refuse Treatment
The so-called conscience bill would allow medical workers to not provide health care services based on their personal beliefs. Opponents warn that such legislation would encourage discrimination and limit access to care.
Biden To Reverse Trump-Allowed Medicaid Work Requirements
The Washington Post and Politico report that today President Joe Biden will rescind previous waivers granted by the Trump administration to 10 states that allowed them to impose work requirements on Medicaid beneficiaries. Such mandates had only been enacted in three states and are locked up in court challenges.
Why Isn’t There A New FDA Chief Yet? Some Experts Stressed Out By The Wait
Also: The governor of Florida says he’d fight any “unconstitutional” covid travel restrictions; a North Carolina man has been charged with threatening to kill President Joe Biden; and more.
School Reopening Policies Snag Biden Administration Early Days
As the CDC prepares new guidance, the White House has faced criticism for mixed messages on its position related to opening more in-person schooling.
Variants Vs. Vaccines: Scientists Prepare For Future Mutations
While identified variants’ response to existing vaccines is already an area of concern, vaccine makers must also look further ahead to new ways the coronavirus could change.
Vaccine Chasers Scour Internet, Wait In Line For Leftover Shots
Some Americans scrambling to score a shot are searching for any intel about distribution sites that may have “extra” doses thawed and available to people who are not yet eligible. And everyone trying to get vaccinated should be on the alert for scams.
When Will Vaccines Be Open To All? Fauci Predicts April
Dr. Anthony Fauci expects the covid vaccination rate to ramp up during March and that the U.S. will reach “open season” by April. Meanwhile, news outlets report that while the rollout improves there is a cost for pharmacies and low-income communities.
Thousands Of Covid Patients Sent To NY Nursing Homes; Cuomo Aide Acknowledges Concealing Data
The Associated Press obtained records that show 9,056 patients recovering from the coronavirus were directed to nursing homes by New York state in the early days of the pandemic. And an aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo admits that his office “froze” the data.
Biden Announces Vaccine Buy That Will Boost US Supply To 600M Doses
The latest deal secures 200 million more covid vaccine doses from Pfizer and Moderna, to be delivered by the end of July. While that provides enough for every adult American in the country, President Joe Biden says there are still distribution obstacles to fix.
Trump Was More Severely Ill From Covid Than Revealed To Public: Reports
Low blood oxygen levels and lung infiltrates caused by the coronavirus prompted considerations of putting then-president Donald Trump on a ventilator last October, The New York Times reports.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
