Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Kicks Off Federal Strategy To Fight Covid With ‘Wartime’ Urgency, Warnings
Even with the new initiatives, President Joe Biden cautioned the public that it would still take months “for us to turn things around.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
At Least 5 Killed In Fire At Factory In India That Makes Covid Vaccine
The company, Serum Institute of India, said the fire was restricted to a new facility it is building to increase the production of covid vaccines. News is also on China discrediting some vaccines; health care workers striking in Peru’s capital; and England suffering its deadliest day.
Chicago Teachers Want Better Covid Rules, Could Walk Out Starting Monday
If members approve the walkout, teachers could continue to teach their students remotely. Meanwhile, union leaders in Pennsylvania say workers should be paid while under quarantine.
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Workplace Absences Soar; Higher Ed Delays In-Person Classes
Media outlets report on how the pandemic and new variants of the virus impact the workplace, colleges and airline travel.
High Drug Prices: Hospitals Hike Some Charges 250%
Stat examined data from 30 hospitals. Industry news is also on Mark Cuban’s entry into generics, Teladoc’s emergence, and more.
Large Studies ID Other Genes Linked To Breast Cancer
The research enables doctors to advise patients about risks associated with a half dozen genes in addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2. News about cancer also focuses on covid, gene-controlling circadian rhythms and more.
Vaccine Skepticism: Nurses Stall Inoculation Efforts In Kansas, Maine
Also, news reports are on myths about covid vaccines and new vaccines under review.
Vaccinating Elderly Could Take 4 to 5 Months, California Says
Meanwhile, appointments in New York, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and elsewhere are being canceled or rescheduled because there aren’t enough shots.
California To Resume Using Batch Of Moderna Shots After Safety Review
Seven people had allergic reactions at a drive-through clinic last week in San Diego, but officials recommended Wednesday that providers resume using the doses given how many people nationwide received the vaccine from the same lot without similar reactions, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Amazon Offers To Distribute Vaccine; States Cope With Freezer Snafus
Amazon said the company is willing to contribute its “operations, information technology and communications capabilities” to help President Joe Biden with his goal of vaccinating 100 million Americans within his first 100 days in the White House.
New CDC Director, Acting CMS Head Take Over Other Health Agencies
With no Senate confirmation requirement, Dr. Rochelle Walensky immediately stepped into her new role directing the CDC. Acting chiefs will have to temporarily take over other key roles at HHS, CMS and FDA, though the Biden administration has not yet named all of those people.
Biden’s Next Blitz Of Orders Kick Off Strategy To Battle Pandemic
The Biden administration released a 23-page covid response plan that includes 10 new executive orders to be issued Thursday. Those will invoke the Defense Production Act to require U.S. companies to manufacture more pandemic supplies and PPE, focus on reopening schools and require masks on more modes of transport. Steps to address vaccine rollout failures is also on the second-day agenda.
US Rejoins WHO; Fauci To Head American Delegation
In more first-day orders that reversed actions of his predecessor, President Joe Biden took steps to renew ties with the World Health Organization and re-engage in a global vaccine initiative.
Covid Czar, Global Health Directorate, Masks Make Biden’s Day One Orders
Saying “there’s no time to waste,” newly inaugurated President Joe Biden signed 17 executive orders Wednesday afternoon, many of which kicked off a new covid response or addressed the financial strain the pandemic has caused and the gaps in U.S. health protections it has exposed.
Biden Calls For Unified Response To ‘Finally Face This Pandemic’
In his inaugural address, President Joe Biden focused on covid, climate change, racial injustice and the economic crisis with which the nation struggles and that will shape the health policy agenda for the next four years.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Getting Vaccines Into Americans’ Arms; Pros, Cons Of Biden’s Covid Plans
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic issues and others.
