Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: Masks Are Indispensable In The Pandemic Fight; Blood Plasma Might Be, Too
Opinion writers weigh in on covid restrictions, the fight against covid, abortion and racism.
Opinion writers share their thoughts on the vaccination rollout.
U.S. Says Russia Peddled Lies About Western Covid Vaccines
The EU is warning some of its member states to be wary of Russia’s Sputnik covid vaccine, and U.S. officials warn Russia has been sharing disinformation about Western versions, as vaccination efforts step up across the globe.
New York Gov. Cuomo Loses Some Of His Covid-Fighting Powers
Elsewhere, all of Oregon’s K-12 public schools will open in April; Arkansas boosts covid patient rights; and California finds success in vaccinating prisoners.
Fever Scanner Used In Some NFL Stadiums Pulled Off The Market
The company that makes the scanning system, Certify Global, received a warning from the FDA on Thursday saying it had not been authorized to sell the device for scanning multiple people at a time. The FDA said misuse could lead an infected person to be incorrectly assessed as healthy.
White House Takes Aim At Chemical Toxins In Baby Food
The FDA under the Biden administration is beginning a push to lower levels of toxins like lead and cadmium in baby food, and will boost testing and inspections of manufacturers.
Early Success Of Pill That Fights Covid Sparks Excitement
A new antiviral drug called molnupiravir has shown great success in treating covid patients, researchers say. Other scientists continue to investigate the virus, its symptoms and side effects, including loss of smell.
Employers Navigate Tricky Issues Around Inoculating Workers
Large businesses are joining the hunt for scarce supplies to vaccinate their workforce. And public views on employers mandating the shot have also shifted.
CDC Says Mask Mandates Drove Declines In Covid Cases, Deaths
A study by the CDC has linked mask mandates and less in-restaurant dining with declining covid infections and deaths. Meanwhile, several governors defend lifting their states’ mandates and some protestors burn their masks.
More Mass Sites Opening Shakes Up Vaccination Process
Such vaccination sites in Florida, Indiana and Georgia are in the news. And Axios looks at the failures of online registration websites.
Fauci Says Surge In Covid Vaccine Supplies Is Imminent
Dr. Anthony Fauci suggests that when more vaccine doses become available that high school children will be a priority. In other news, Pfizer’s CEO talks about covid vaccine pricing.
While Rates Of Vaccination Speed Up, Fourth Surge May Be Brewing
The U.S. hit record levels for the number of vaccines administered over the weekend. But federal and public health officials plead with state governments and the public to stay careful with the threat of another surge of infections looming.
California Tells Amusement Parks And Ballparks That They Can Open April 1
Outdoor venues for live music performances and sporting events as well as theme parks like Disneyland and Universal may resume operations with limited capacity, California announced.
FDA OKs New Test That Identifies Signs Of Past Covid Infection
Adaptive Biotechnologies’ test is the first of its kind to receive emergency authorization from the FDA. The agency also approved another over-the-counter test from Cue Health.
Amended Covid Relief Bill Heads Back To The House
The Senate narrowly approved the massive stimulus package after 24 hours of votes that reshaped the legislation. Before it can go to President Joe Biden, Democrats must hold together their majority in the House to pass it again despite the measures now stripped out.
Panel Recommends Changes For Medicare Advantage Payments
Other industry news is on health care hiring, data privacy, Time’s Up Healthcare and Watson Health.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers tackle the pandemic, Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine, Medicare and sex education.
Editorial pages weigh in on Texas’ decision to roll back pandemic restrictions.
Global Tug Of War Intensifies As Italy Blocks Vaccine Shipments To Australia
And in Canada, the leader of Ontario has said he is disappointed in the Biden administration’s decision not to share vaccines with Canada. “I thought I’d see a little bit of a change with the administration, but again it’s every person for themselves out there,” Premier Doug Ford said.
