Latest KFF Health News Stories
Surprise Medical Bills Legislation Hits A Snag
Yet another proposal for limiting surprise medical bills means little movement is expected from Congress. In other news, legislation to eliminate federal prescribing requirements is introduced.
Confusion Surrounds Possible COVID Stimulus Bill
Negotiations are fluid and what’s in the coronavirus stimulus package is still far from settled, from the amount people would get to waiving liability for employees’ health.
Biden Outlines A COVID Response
President-elect Joe Biden laid out his plan to fight the pandemic: masks, vaccinations and opening schools.
Dual Events, Dueling Messages: Trump, Biden Paint Discordant Pictures Of Pandemic Future
The current and future presidents held concurrent public events Tuesday, but that’s where any similarities cease. At his vaccine summit, President Donald Trump claimed that the worst of the coronavirus crisis is over. President-elect Joe Biden, when introducing his selected health team, warned that the worst is yet to come.
‘Truly Dangerous’: Wave Of New Thanksgiving Cases Approaches
As signs emerge of the anticipated surge in Thanksgiving-driven infections, public health experts plead with Americans to take precautions ahead of the December holidays. In a heartbreaking story, a former Alabama state senator reportedly told his wife just before his death: “Sweetheart, we messed up. We just dropped our guard. … We’ve got to tell people this is real.”
UAE Reports Chinese Vaccine Has 86% Efficacy, No Serious Safety Issues
China hopes to use its COVID vaccine in a number of countries to restore its image. Iran complains that U.S. sanctions hamper its ability to get vaccines.
New Results Confirm AstraZeneca’s Half-Dose ‘Mistake’ Is 90% Effective
The partial results published in The Lancet on Tuesday confirmed that the two full doses given at least one month apart appeared to be 62% effective, while a half dose followed by a full dose was about 90% effective.
White House Vaccine Summit Proclaims Success Of Operation Warp Speed
Meanwhile, when asked to clarify the executive order President Donald Trump signed at the event–prioritizing Americans first in vaccine distribution–vaccine czar Moncef Slaoui voiced his own puzzlement: “Frankly, I don’t know, and frankly, I’m staying out of this. I can’t comment,”
UK Issues Warning After 2 People Have Allergic Reactions To COVID Shot
Both people are medical workers who have a history of significant allergic reactions. They are “recovering well,” a health official said.
Preparations For Vaccine Distribution Begun
The logistical preparations for the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine proceed as federal officials say distribution will begin within days of FDA approval. Shortages are expected.
US On Cusp Of First COVID Vaccine Approval
A crucial FDA open committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday. And if all goes as expected, a coronavirus vaccine could be authorized for emergency use in the U.S. by Friday. News outlets detail the timeline and potential problems.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics.
Ahead Of Schedule: Canada Gets First Pfizer Vaccines Next Week
The country also reportedly has reserved enough vaccines to more than protect its population. Other vaccine news is from United Arab Emirates and China.
California Takes Huge Step Back
For the first time, more than 10,000 people with coronavirus infections are hospitalized in California — quadruple the number from Halloween. Also, COVID news from other states.
Hunger Crisis Swells Across America
Those fighting hunger say they’ve never seen anything like this in the US, even during the Great Recession. Two surveys from Indiana showed good and bad news: Nonprofits and federal aid nearly doubled the number of meals being distributed to food-insecure residents, but the need also doubled.
Study: Common Diabetes Drug Offers Some Protection
Metformin, a common drug used to manage blood sugar, lowers the death risk for women with COVID, but the same effect isn’t seen with men, a new study says.
Hospitals Among Biggest Polluters of Greenhouse Emissions
Also, Modern Health reports that higher rates of severe illness and mortality within Black and Latino are occurring because too many are not making it to a hospital in order to get the care they need.
Study: Dogs, Cats Tested Positive For COVID — Even If Their Owners Didn’t
Also in the news: mother-to-infant coronavirus transmission while sharing the same hospital room.
Yes, You’ll Feel ‘Lousy’ After Your COVID Shot, And Other Answers
When will you be protected from the coronavirus? The Pfizer vaccine has prevented COVID-19 illness seven days after the second injection — which is about a month after the first shot.
