Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hopeful Milestone: More Americans Vaccinated Than Have Been Infected By Covid
According to Bloomberg’s data, the U.S. has already crossed this mark, with 26.5 million inoculated and over 26.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Pros, Cons Of Biden’s Health Care Plans; Lessons On ‘Gag Rule,’ Women’s Health
Opinion writers express views about these health care topics and others.
Viewpoints: Good Vaccine News From Johnson & Johnson; Get Hesitant Health Care Workers On Board
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Pentagon Halts Plan To Give Covid Shots To Guantanamo Bay Prisoners
The prospect of the detainees, including accused 9/11 ringleader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, getting vaccinated before most Americans prompted outrage, the Washington Examiner reports. Other global news is from the E.U., U.K., Israel, Australia, China, Lebanon and elsewhere.
School Reopening Plans In Chicago And California Stuck In Limbo
On Monday, the possibility of a teachers’ strike grew in Chicago after last-minute negotiations stalled.
Dietary Guidelines Fall Short, Overlook Cultural Differences, Critics Say
The government’s guidelines focus on lower intake of sodium, sugar, saturated fats, and alcohol, but health experts say they don’t go far enough, especially in reducing sodium found in processed foods.
Demand For Home Care Workers Has Risen 125% Since March, NAHC Says
More families are turning to home care workers because it’s “probably [a] more protective environment … for individuals that are trying to avoid the virus,” said William Dombi, president of The National Association of Home Care and Hospice.
Wanting More Proof, FDA Delays Decision On Alzheimer’s Drug
The government had initially said it would decide by March 7 whether to approve aducanumab, but the agency has pushed it to June 7.
Life Insurers Start Screening For Covid; College Campuses Launch Testing Labs
Meanwhile, those who are frustrated with slow government testing eye ways to provide it for their communities.
Lack Of Trust, Access Creates Chasm Between Blacks, Whites In Rollout
Some states, including Oregon and Texas, are considering prioritizing people of color in the next rounds of vaccinations, The Hill reports.
Vaccine Sites Close As Snowstorm Looms
News reports look at doses deemed safe in Vermont, a protest that delayed vaccinations outside Dodger Stadium and more.
Biden Administration Delays Trump’s Drug Pricing Rebate Rule For A Year
Prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers from negotiating prescription drug rebates is one of three Trump administration regulatory actions that the Biden administration is pausing.
Biden To Meet With GOP Senators On Compromise Relief Proposals
Both sides talk today as a group of 10 Republican senators push President Joe Biden to negotiate a bipartisan package.
Study Suggests Timing Of Covid Shot During Pregnancy Could Be Key
A study published Friday in JAMA Pediatrics found more evidence that women are not only transferring covid antibodies to their fetuses but also transferring more if they are infected earlier in their pregnancies.
Nearly 100K Died In January; Spread Of Variants Signal ‘Race Against Time’
On the good news front: Hospitalizations are dropping from their peak. But health officials warn that any progress may be reversed by the spread of mutant coronavirus strains and that the vaccination pace needs to pick up.
CDC Expands Travel Mask Mandates; TSA, Police Empowered To Enforce
It will be a federal offense for anyone over the age of 2 to not wear a face covering on airplanes, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares. CDC also specified types that don’t qualify: face shields, bandanas, masks with exhalation valves and ones that are too big.
Vaccine Roulette: Pickiness Over Maker Of Shot Could Delay Rollout More
It’s remarkable that there are multiple covid vaccines at all — yet the differences in efficacy and number of doses prompts some people to hold out for the one they want, which could further complicate the sluggish vaccination process.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Pulling Out All Stops To Get Vaccines In Arms; Earning Trust; Jumping In Line
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
