Latest KFF Health News Stories
‘Skinny Labeling’ Case To Be Reheard
The term refers to an effort by a generic company to seek regulatory approval to market its medicine for a specific use, but not other patented uses. An October ruling in a patent case prompted hand-wringing that many Americans might be deprived of access to generic drugs, Stat reported. But Tuesday, the ruling was vacated, with new arguments scheduled for Feb. 23.
Scientists Delve Deeper Into How Coronavirus Spreads
New studies report on the risks from dementia, childhood colds, summer camps and nonporous surfaces. The accuracy of pulse oximeters in people with darker skin is also examined.
Medical Group: Private Firms Shouldn’t Run Oklahoma’s Medicaid Program
The Oklahoma State Medical Association said Tuesday it plans to seek a court injunction. Other names in the news include Northwell Health, AdventHealth, Centene and Atrium Health.
Nursing Schools Face Cuts During Pandemic As Government Pursues Clawbacks
The Biden administration tells about 120 hospital-based nursing schools that they are still on the hook for 18 years worth of funds dispersed due to a government miscalculation. The schools say they will have to cut back or close in the middle of a public health crisis.
Chicago Health Commissioner Asks People To Stop Cheating Vaccine Rollout
Jumping in line to get early doses is taking many forms in the city and elsewhere. Also troublesome: enrollment websites in New York and Iowa.
10% Of US Has Received At Least One Shot, But Vaccine Supplies Still Uneven
The confusion and obstacles created by the federal vaccine rollout have left a majority of Americans dissatisfied, according to a new poll.
Medicaid, Drug-Pricing Measures To Be Added To Sweeping Stimulus Bill
House Democrats are inserting major changes to Medicaid into the large relief proposal advancing through Congress that would include more money for states and a controversial drug-pricing policy.
FDA Approves Eli Lilly’s Antibody Cocktail For Emergency Use
Eli Lilly’s antibody combination drug is the second such therapy cleared by the FDA to treat mild and moderate coronavirus cases.
More Shots, More Destinations: Feds Ramp Up Vaccination Shipments
The White House announced that covid vaccine doses dispersed each week would increase from 10.5 million to 11 million. And some shipments would go directly to local health centers to try to reach underserved communities.
Despite Looming Variant Risk, Poll Finds Americans Growing Less Concerned
A new poll surveys Americans’ feelings about returning to normal activities. Meanwhile, new cases continue to drop from January peaks but disease experts say infections from variants could halt progress.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Time To Make Health Of All Kids A Top Priority; Biden Has Chances To Do So
Editorial pages focus on the serious harms being done to children during the pandemic and how to address them, and other public health issues, as well.
Viewpoints: Vaccine Lessons On Who Should Move To Front Of Line; Give J&J Doses To Young Adults
Opinion writers have very different ideas about how to prioritize vaccinations.
Coronavirus Most Likely Didn’t Leak From Chinese Lab, Investigators Say
It’s more likely to have jumped to humans from an animal, the WHO says. And in other news from China, its single-shot CanSino vaccine has proved to be 65.7% effective. News reports also highlight England, Wales, Iran and the pope’s annual message.
Nursing Home Gave Veterans Unproven Hydroxy Cocktails, Records Show
At least 62 residents of New York State Veterans’ Home at St. Albans, some of whom had not tested positive for the virus, were given the medications, according to interviews, medical records and other documents. Public health officials had cautioned against the use of hydroxychloroquine despite claims by many government officials.
Pollen Season Starts Earlier, Experts Say, Just In Time For Valentine’s Day
Also, pollen loads are about 21% higher, all because of global warming. Media outlets report on how pollution is leading to more deaths, heart surgeries have dropped during the pandemic and more.
Hogue Resigns As NARAL President, Cites Progress For Abortion Rights
“One of the lessons that we learned over the last eight years is that constant vigilance is required to secure all of our rights,” said Ilyse Hogue, who took the reins in 2013. Her successor has not yet been named.
More Counterfeit N95 Respirators Removed From Hospitals
Several weeks after the Cleveland Clinic was notified it had been using fake masks, hospitals in Washington state are now on the lookout, too.
Biden Faces Crucial Choice Over Next FDA Chief
Stat analyzes the backgrounds and endorsements of the top two contenders on the list.
First Member Of Congress Dies From Covid
Republican Rep. Ron Wright of Texas was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19. Wright was also being treated for lung cancer.
