Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘We Want Them Infected’: Emails Reveal Trump Official’s Push For Herd Immunity Strategy
“Infants, kids, teens, young people, young adults, middle aged with no conditions etc. have zero to little risk….so we use them to develop herd…we want them infected…” wrote then-White House science adviser Paul Alexander in emails obtained during a House investigation and reported by Politico.
FDA Panel Votes Today On Moderna’s Vaccine
Medical experts will assess Moderna’s clinical trial data and offer their opinions on the vaccine — which, like Pfizer’s, uses mRNA technology and requires two doses.
Cold Storage, Production Issues Cause Early Distribution Snags
Several thousand doses of Pfizer’s vaccine had to be quarantined in California and Alabama after storage temperatures became too cold during transport.
First Nursing Home Vaccinations Administered; Who Will Be Next?
With immunization programs in U.S. nursing and long-term care homes now underway, states must decide whom to prioritize next. A CDC advisory panel is set to weigh in.
Allergic Reactions To Shot Experienced By Two Alaska Health Care Workers
The two workers were among 144 vaccinated at a Juneau hospital Wednesday. They both received emergency care, and only one of the cases was described as severe.
Pfizer Vaccine Vials Deliver A Dose Or Two More Than Estimated
More people will be able to get the first batch of Pfizer’s vaccine than previously believed after hospital pharmacists discovered that a vial contains enough vaccine to inoculate six or seven, rather than the labeled five.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Congress Needs To Advocate For ER Docs; Did U.S. Move Fast Enough On Vaccines?
Opinion writers weigh in on these public health issues and others.
Viewpoints: New Lessons On Values Of Health Care For Minorities, Trust In These Vaccines
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and other health care issues, as well.
Younger People Get Vaccine In Indonesia Ahead Of Older Ones
News reports also look at the inability of many poorer countries to obtain the vaccines.
Study: Black Suicides Spiked In Early Days Of Pandemic
The Hopkins study found that while suicide deaths among Blacks doubled during the shutdown, deaths among whites appeared to drop by half. In other public health news, Tom Cruise yells at film crew about respecting COVID protocols.
For Now, Chicago Hospital Can’t Close
The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board voted to reject a plan to close Chicago’s Mercy Hospital on the city’s Southside. Trinity Health, the hospital’s owner, said it will return to the board in 2021. Other industry news is on insurance, discrimination and more.
Confidence Grows For A Stimulus Bill
It now looks like Congress might pass a bill with some financial relief. In other news, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says lawmakers who refuse to wear a mask won’t be allowed to speak in Congress.
Trump Has No Role In Vaccine Rollout
President Donald Trump isn’t playing much of a role in the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, either because he doesn’t want to or because the new team coming into the White House doesn’t want him to. Plus, a look at the “deep state” scientists who helped develop a vaccine.
Courts Rule On Religion And Health
The Supreme Court and various other courts have ruled on religion and COVID restrictions, as well as abortion.
Trump’s Drug Discount Cards Might Soon Be In The Mail
The cards could be mailed as early as Jan. 1, Bloomberg reports. News is on plans to speed up prior authorization for Medicaid and more.
In The Vaccine They Trust: Biden, Pence To Be Inoculated Soon
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Mike Pence are both planning to get a shot to show the public their support for the vaccine and for security reasons. President Donald Trump has not revealed his vaccination plans.
Calls Grow To Vaccinate Prison Populations, Teachers Next
States grapple with difficult decisions over which vulnerable residents and essential workers to prioritize for a limited number of early-round shots.
Bell’s Palsy, Chills, Joint Pain Among Side Effects Reported In Vaccine Trials
The experience of clinical trial volunteers may inform people about what to expect when vaccinated.
White House Offers Supplies In Pfizer Vaccine Negotiations
In deal discussions for more doses, the Trump administration has proposed ways it could help provide more of the raw materials Pfizer needs to produce greater quantities of vaccine.
