Latest KFF Health News Stories
AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine Ineffective Against South African Variant In Trial
A clinical trial showed a double dose of AstraZeneca’s covid vaccine was not effective in combating the variant first identified in South Africa. In other news, Dr. Anthony Fauci agrees there are still questions about covid vaccines for immunocompromised patients.
Trump Tells Supporters ‘It’s A Great Vaccine, It’s A Safe Vaccine’
Former President Donald Trump backed the coronavirus vaccines developed during his administration, as concern grows over hesitancy among Republicans.
FDA Streamlines Sales, Testing Process For At-Home Covid Tests
The FDA has changed its rules so that some companies can sell at-home covid tests without having to first test them on asymptomatic people. The move is designed to boost widespread consumer testing as well as efforts for returning to work and school.
Study Says US Covid Infection Count Is Half Of Actual Infection Total
Scientists combing through covid data suggest that the real number of infections may be twice the official CDC count. Meanwhile coronavirus hotspots are flaring up and Florida’s positivity rate ticks upwards again.
EU Regulator Backs AstraZeneca Shot; France, Italy To Restart Vaccinations
After many European nations suspended use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine, the European Union’s drug regulator joined other health authorities in saying there is “no indication” that it causes blood clots and that the benefits of inoculations outweigh a possible rare side effect.
Vaccinated Mom Delivers First-Known Baby Born With Covid Antibodies
Two Palm Beach doctors report that antibodies were detected in the healthy newborn at the time of delivery. The upcoming paper laying out the results urges further research into pregnancy and breastfeeding protection.
Relief From Long-Haul Symptoms After Covid Shot Reported By Some Patients
The months of lingering symptoms experienced by some who had covid has frustrated patients and puzzled scientists. Now reports that vaccinations may alleviate symptoms add to the syndrome’s mystery.
Covid Vaccine Passports Debated As EU Mulls Russia’s, China’s Vaccines
The E.U. is moving forward with its plans for a covid passport system and also debating whether Russian and Chinese vaccines will be accepted. Meanwhile, Germany is seeing exponential case growth, and China’s border restrictions are lowered somewhat.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Arkansas ‘Medical Conscience’ Bill Takes Step Closer To Governor’s Desk
Other health news is from West Virginia, New Mexico, Montana and Florida.
Viewpoints: Should Doctors Graduate Earlier?; Stroke Patient Protocols Need Update
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Air Passenger Numbers Go Up, But So Does Number Of Unruly Mask-Refusers
Even as the pandemic situation endures, passenger numbers for U.S. airlines are reaching levels not seen since March 2020. So the FAA will extend its strict policy on unruly passengers, particularly those refusing to wear masks, because there are too many.
Nursing Home Advocates Propose Long-Term Changes In Elderly Care
The joint proposal between the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge is dubbed the Care for Our Seniors Act. Other industry news is on telehealth, health care firm Color and ECRI’s annual Top Ten Patient Safety Concerns for 2021.
Good Numbers For Alzheimer’s Drug Provoke Cautious Response
Experts sound a note of caution about possible influence of side effects and diversity issues in a study of Eli Lilly’s promising drug. Meanwhile, there is progress with drugs to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy and a cancer treatment from Rubius.
OxyContin Settlement Grows To $4.28B
The restructuring plan with Purdue Pharma includes another $1.5 billion and also ensures that the money will largely be spent to help curb the nation’s opioid crisis, rather than going into states’ general coffers, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Red Cross Blood Donations Show Many Likely Had Covid But Didn’t Know It
More than 20% of donations from unvaccinated people had covid antibodies, CNN reports.
White House’s Plans For Workplace Mask Standards Face A Delay
With discussions ongoing, President Joe Biden’s plan for a national mask standard for workplaces will miss its deadline. In other news the White House is rolling back covid tests for its own staffers, and the administration comments on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s vaccine czar controversy.
CDC Probe Finds Trump Administration’s Covid Policies Not Guided Enough By Science
The Trump White House’s coronavirus guidance was at times influenced too much by political appointees and not enough by federal scientists, determines a new CDC review conducted in an effort to restore faith in the beleaguered health agency.
Is US Surge Of Highly Contagious Variant Inevitable?
The B.1.1.7 variant is poised to become the dominant strain in the U.S. but public health officials say future infection numbers depend on Americans’ precautions. Meanwhile a new study confirms fears that it is more deadly than other variants. In related news: a new variant is discovered in France.
To Boost Covid Vaccination Rate, CMS Bumps Up Medicare Provider Payments
The Biden administration has raised the average figure Medicare pays providers giving out covid vaccines from $28 to $40 for single-dose shots and $45 to $80 for double doses. The move is to encourage providers to give more vaccinations.
