Latest KFF Health News Stories
For Previously Infected People, France Considers One Vaccine Dose
The country’s health advisory committee says one shot would act like a booster shot. News is also from Brazil, China, Guinea, Congo and New Zealand.
South Carolina Bans Most Abortions As Governor Signs ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Bill
Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights challenged the measure Thursday, asking a federal judge to block the law, CNN reported.
Study: Asthma, Diabetes Among Top 5 Conditions Costing Billions
After reviewing claims of 57 nationwide employer programs, UnitedHealthcare said it found ways to improve health and lower costs. News looks at covid risks for LGBT people of color, cancellation of the Ivy League’s spring sports schedule and more.
As Covid Variants Spread, CDC Director Warns Of ‘Pandemic Fatigue’
Coronavirus cases are trending down, but new variants, complications and people tiring of pandemic restrictions concern scientists and the CDC.
Government Workers Having Trouble Finding Covid Shots, Too
The slow rollout has left those who are on the front lines of diplomacy — people who are the face of America in other countries — more vulnerable as new variants emerge, PBS reports. News on shot distribution is also reported from Florida, D.C., Massachusetts and elsewhere.
Trials Begin For Covid Vaccination During Pregnancy
Pregnant women were excluded from the initial Pfizer-BioNTech clinical trials. The trial participants are 18 and older and anywhere from 24 to 34 weeks into their pregnancy.
Weather-Fueled Chain Reaction Disrupts Vaccinations Across US
Vaccine appointments are being postponed even for many people in areas not even hit by severe winter weather events because of shipping delays.
White House’s Virus Relief Spending Plan Takes Shape
President Joe Biden’s plan for wages and stimulus checks moves forward amid concerns about the state of the workforce and unemployment.
Biden To Commit $4 Billion To Bolster Global Vaccine Initiative
In a reversal of the Trump administration’s stance, President Joe Biden will contribute funds to Covax, an international venture to source and distribute vaccines to try to ensure poor countries aren’t left behind.
Water Shortages Hit Hospitals, Texans After Winter Storm
As cold weather continues, medical facilities across Texas struggle with reduced water pressure, as contaminated water issues impact the state.
Pfizer Shot Is 85% Effective In Single Dose, May Not Need Ultracold Storage: Study
Based on the latest findings of an Israeli study, Pfizer and BioNTech have told the FDA that ordinary freezers may be used to store its covid vaccine, which could help accelerate distribution.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
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 covid-19, antibodies, the Tokyo Olympics, surrogacy, food waste, Bill Gates and more.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Too Big A Relief Bill; US Is Moving In Right Direction On Vaccine Front
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
‘It’s Embarrassing’: US Diplomats Seek Covid Shots From Less-Wealthy Nations
At least 13 foreign governments offered to inoculate U.S. officials serving abroad with their own supplies of U.S.-made Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, senior U.S. officials told The Washington Post. Other global news is from the E.U., Indonesia, South Africa, Tanzania, Brazil and Australia.
Research Roundup: MIS-C; Repurposed Antiviral Drugs; Tuberculosis; HUS; Typhoid Fever
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Report Cites HUD’s Failure To Alert Residents About Lead Dangers
News reports are on health exchanges open for enrollment, transgender rights, an aid-in-dying bill and more.
ACA Medicaid Expansion Increases Young Adult Coverage
An Urban Institute report shows uninsurance rates among adults ages 19 to 25 dropped during the study’s time frame from 25% in 2011 to 15% in 2018. Texas, which has the highest uninsurance rate, could have seen a 24.6% decrease if it had expanded its Medicaid program.
AMA Takes Steps To Further Distance Itself From Discriminatory Past
A bust of Dr. Nathan Davis, known as the “father of the AMA,” was removed from public view at the group’s headquarters in Chicago, and his name was removed from an annual award. Davis had actively worked to keep Black physicians out of the organization.
Biden To Nominate Chiquita Brooks-LaSure To Lead CMS: Reports
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure was a top official at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services during the Obama administration and has served as a health advisor during the Biden transition. If confirmed, she would be the first Black woman to be CMS administrator.
