Latest KFF Health News Stories
Vaccination Appointments Flooded, Misused In Some Places, Go Unfilled In Others
In Pasadena, California, ineligible sign ups forced a vaccination clinic to close. Meanwhile, two mass sites in Utah are running below capacity. Vaccine rollout news from other states is in the news too.
Alaska Is First State To Expand Vaccinations To All Approved Ages
Anyone 16 and older — the age cutoff for FDA approval of the vaccine — can now get a shot in Alaska. Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the stage a “game changer.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle mental health issues, pregnancy and asbestos exposure.
Opinion writers weigh in on vaccinations and the global pandemic.
Global Manufacturers Push Biden To Protect Covid Drug Patents
The WTO is considering a pharmaceutical patent rights waiver to boost coronavirus efforts in poorer nations, but drugmakers want President Joe Biden to say no. Meanwhile Russia’s vaccine will be made in Switzerland, and the Pope defends his Iraq visit.
Schools No Longer Out For Covid As Cities Start Announcing Reopenings
At a pandemic turning point, New York City and L.A. authorities plan to reopen some schools. Elsewhere in the U.S., states battle with nursing home covid controversies, and pharmacies get the OK to administer birth control pills.
Coronavirus Lawsuits Begin For Disney’s Cruise Line
A group of tourists sue Disney, alleging they caught coronavirus aboard a cruise ship in early 2020. Other news includes phobia-inducing worries about injection imagery and undocumented immigrants battling the pandemic with no safety net.
Drugmakers’ Reversals Spark Debate Over FDA’s Accelerated Approvals
A trial of Tecentriq, a Roche drug that was granted accelerated approval in 2016 to treat bladder cancer, has shown that the drug failed to improve overall survival, Stat reports. Last month, AstraZeneca experienced a similar problem with Imfinzi.
Viruses Contracted On Spring Break Don’t Stay On Spring Break
As health professionals and disease experts plead with Americans to avoid the vacation trap, some schools are canceling or shortening their breaks to discourage students from heading to party destinations.
House Waits For Stimulus Bill From Senate; Vote Could Slip A Day
If approved in the House — which it’s expected to be, as progressive Democrats signal their support — President Joe Biden pledges to sign the legislation as soon as it reaches his desk.
As Covid Variant Worries Continue, WHO Warns World Is At ‘Risky’ Stage
Houston and Florida are experiencing a spread of the more infectious UK coronavirus variant, as the World Health Organization issues a warning that this is no time to relax in the battle against the virus.
Major Study Finds Obesity Significantly Increases Risk Of Dying From Covid
The higher the patient’s body mass index, the higher the risk, the study of nearly 150,000 adults found. In other covid news: Many long-haulers were asymptomatic during their initial infection, research shows.
Teachers Now Eligible For The Shot In Every State
Every state has now prioritized K-12 educators to receive the coronavirus vaccine. News outlets also report on hesitant groups.
Moderna Vaccine Gets Production Boost; Side Effect Worries Spread
U.S. production rates of the Moderna covid vaccine will improve, thanks to a new manufacturing deal. In other news reports: Women seem to be experiencing worse vaccination side effects, and President Joe Biden will meet with vaccine makers.
Underdosing Report Confirmed At Mass Vaccination Site In California
California public health officials say that people who were vaccinated between Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Oakland Coliseum likely received a smaller-than-approved dose. A TV station first reported the story, but it was initially denied by state officials running the venue.
Even With A Shot, CDC Not Yet Encouraging Travel
Travel by vaccinated people can still add to the coronavirus’ spread, CDC officials say in defending their position. Politico reports that an earlier draft of the guidance included a travel section but it was removed before release.
CDC OKs Gatherings Of Vaccinated People, Without Masks But With Limits
New guidelines permit unmasked meetings for people post-vaccination, but the CDC warns it’s not time to go back to normal life — general covid precautions need to remain in place to protect the public.
Lab Tests Show Pfizer Vaccine Neutralizes Variant Identified In Brazil
The highly contagious P.1 variant raised fears about how it would respond to the covid vaccines.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
