Latest KFF Health News Stories
Stimulus Bill Rolling Toward Friday Vote In House
Meanwhile, a group of business executives endorse the package while Republicans signal that this could be the first covid relief package that receives zero Republican votes of support.
Becerra Defends Experience, Testifies On Insurance Access, Health Costs
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra faces a second committee hearing today for his nomination as Department of Health and Human Services secretary. Stat also reports on a fresh line of attack from Republicans: that Becerra is not sympathetic enough to the pharmaceutical industry.
Study: Higher Covid Risks For Adults With Down Syndrome
The lead author of the study said it emphasizes the need to vaccinate the population, many of whom live in group homes. News reports look at how wearing glasses can protect you from covid and more.
Highly Contagious California Variant Might Evade Vaccines, Experts Warn
Scientists raise concerns that if B.1.427/B.1.429 combines with the variant identified in the United Kingdom, that mutation could be an even more dangerous strain.
Ray Of Hope: Models For Future Covid Deaths Revised More Optimistically
But a big variable is the impact of coronavirus variants on the trajectory of infections. Disease experts fear the U.S. may be just weeks away from cases spiking back up for a spring surge before falling again by summer.
Vaccine Rollout At Prisons Dips Below General Population
News reports focus on vaccine rates for mentally and physically challenged people, communities of color and in indigenous people, as well.
Vulnerable Groups Frustrated By Ongoing Lack Of Access To Shots
Months into the rollout, people with high-risk conditions, like cancer patients, or frequent virus exposure, like grocery workers, are still waiting to find out when they can get vaccinated.
Weekly Vaccine Deliveries To Increase, While Makers Pledge Big Supply Bump
Federal distribution of vaccine doses to the states will go up by one million each week, the Biden administration says.
FDA Experts Endorse Covid Vaccine By Johnson & Johnson; Panel Meets Friday
The single-dose shot doesn’t require special refrigeration. Although its level of protection against getting infected with covid is not as high as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, health experts stress that the J&J shot helps where it matters most: by preventing hospitalization and death.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and other health care issues, as well.
Parsing Policy: Government’s Messaging About Covid Needs To Remain Strong
As the nation hit a grim milestone of 500,000 covid deaths, editorial pages focus on leadership mistakes and ways to avoid losing tens of thousands more Americans while getting the economy back on track.
Russia’s First Shipment Of Sputnik V Vaccine Arrives In Mexico
Mexico joins other Latin American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia and Venezuela, in approving the use of the Russian vaccine. Several Latin American countries claim Pfizer demands have been excessive.
Oscar Health IPO Could Shake Up Digital Health Industry
Its plan to go public for more than $1 billion makes it the largest public debut by a health tech startup so far this year, Modern Healthcare reports.
New Jersey Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
Voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure last November that changed the state constitution to allow for marijuana legislation. News is also on a bill banning all abortions in Arkansas and more.
TikTok Adds Features To Support People With Eating Disorders
About 1 in 7 people will experience an eating disorder problem. Media outlets also report on news about cancer risks linked to acid reflux, mental health, and more.
Pharmaceutical Supply Shortages Are A Growing Risk, Report Warns
The report from the American Society of Health-system Pharmacists says covid, trade restrictions, technology failures or breaches could cause widespread disruptions in delivery.
Small Study Details Lingering Symptoms For Covid Patients
Many participants reported having at least one symptom nearly six months later. The most common symptom reported was fatigue or loss of smell or taste.
People Who Got Flu Vaccine Less Likely To Get Covid, New Study Shows
If they did get infected, they were less likely to need hospitalization or mechanical ventilation, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) reported, citing a study in the American Journal of Infection Control.
Supreme Court To Review Trump Abortion Rules For Family Planning Funds
Abortion-rights advocates are challenging a Trump administration regulation that bars any health care provider that receives Title X funding from referring a patient for an abortion.
