Latest KFF Health News Stories
Pfizer Study Suggests Its Vaccine Works Against Variant
News reports also focus on the variant emerging in the U.S., including comments from Anthony Fauci that variants might impact treatments more than the vaccines.
To Avoid Wasting Vaccine, Some States Expand Rollout On Their Own
Meanwhile, West Virginia is outpacing the rest of the country: It has completed a first round of shots at all its long-term care facilities and has delivered the vaccine to health workers. Now, the state is administering second doses and moving on to other populations, including teachers 50 and older.
AHA Implores Trump Administration To Take Larger Role In Vaccine Rollout
Among other changes, the American Hospital Association wants Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to do a better job of sharing goals rather than leaving it up to the states.
Good News: Virus Immunity Appears To Last Long
You likely will get years of protection from a covid vaccine and at least eight months of protection if you become infected, research shows.
In-Person College Openings And Rise In Covid Cases Linked: CDC Study
Researchers found that counties with large universities where students returned to campus this fall experienced a 56% jump in coronavirus infections.
Loss Of Smell Or Taste May Signal Mild Covid Case, Study Finds
Those symptoms are less common in patients with moderate or severe instances of covid, according to findings published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Nearly 60% Of Covid Cases Transmitted By People Without Symptoms: CDC
A CDC model finds that 59% of coronavirus infections came from people experiencing no symptoms or who were pre-symptomatic. Authors say the analysis underscores the importance of taking precautions, even if you don’t feel ill.
Over 4,000 US Deaths Reported In Single Day For First Time
As the nation shatters yet another tragic daily record for covid deaths, public health experts warn the deadly pace will only increase with holiday cases emerging.
Israel Touted For World’s Fastest Vaccine Rollout
News is also on the United Kingdom’s plans to delay second doses of the vaccine, a crematorium’s inability to keep up in the Czech Republic, an 18-hour flight that led to multiple infections and more.
Potentially Faulty Covid Test Also Widely Used In California
The Curative tests may produce false results. Curative has also been used to test members of Congress, and the Health and Human Services Department said Thursday it’s working on finding a different test for lawmakers. News is also on a boom in plastic surgery, home fitness gear and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
As a more infectious variant of covid arrives in the U.S., editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and other health topics as well.
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 mental health, covid, OCD, hospital baby cuddlers, giant viruses and the polio vaccine. Also, ProPublica takes a deeper dive into Alaska’s DNA-collection rape kits.
Trump’s Fitness Questioned; 25th Amendment Floated After Riot
President Donald Trump is largely blamed for inciting the Jan. 6 assault by his supporters. Some angry lawmakers and administration officials believe he is unfit for office and should be removed immediately.
Viewpoints: Scale Up Production Of Safer Masks, Provide Them To Every Household
Stat authors insist the country can’t wait for the rollout of vaccinations and call for policy that produces and provides effective masks for every American. Opinion pages express views on other pandemic topics and one questions the mental fitness of President Donald Trump.
England Embarks On New Plan To Stretch Vaccines During Winter Surge
News reports are on plans in other nations to consider England’s approach, Japan declaring a state of emergency in Tokyo, Australia moving up its vaccine program, the European Union’s greenlighting of Moderna’s vaccine and more.
Arizona Becomes World’s Hot Spot, But Governor Resists Restrictions
The state has the worst diagnosis rate with 1 in every 119 residents testing positive in the past week. News is also from North Carolina, Illinois, California and New York.
Dozens Who Went To Church’s Christmas Eve Services Test Positive
The pastor of the church in Woburn, Massachusetts, said he told health authorities within a day of hearing about cases. News is also on a “tidal wave” of homelessness, declining birthrates and more.
Major Losses Recorded In Women’s Health Care Jobs
Limitations on safe and affordable child care during the pandemic, a study says, is the likely cause. News is on the death of a pioneering Black public health nurse and more.
Walgreens Sells Drug Wholesale Business To AmerisourceBergen
Walgreens says the $6.5 billion deal allows it to focus on its retail stores, which like other drugstore chains, has suffered since the start of the pandemic.
