Latest KFF Health News Stories
Doctors Given More Legal Protection in COVID Crisis
New Mexico’s governor extends legal protections to doctors helping COVID patients. Other news about a fatigued workforce doing a dangerous job.
Legislators Raise Red Flags About COVID-Relief Bill
Both Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, say the deal needs to include stimulus checks for Americans.
Who Is First? US Has 24M High-Priority People, Only Enough Vaccine For 20M
There won’t be sufficient supply in the initial batch of vaccines to inoculate the nation’s 21 million high-priority health workers and 3 million nursing home residents. That leaves tough decisions ahead for states and the health industry.
The Backgrounds Of Biden’s Health Team
President-elect Joe Biden chooses a team that is familiar with health issues and the health laws. Good communication skills are also part of the package.
US Suffers Deadliest Week Since April, And Thanksgiving Spike ‘Isn’t Even Here Yet’
As the coronavirus death toll continues to accelerate in the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci and WHO health officials deliver stark holiday warnings.
Next Round Of Pfizer Doses Won’t Free Up Until Summer; Did White House Turn Down Chance For More?
The Trump administration officials deny a New York Times report that they passed up on an offer from Pfizer to secure additional doses of its coronavirus vaccine when buying an initial batch of 100 million. Meanwhile, Pfizer tells the U.S. government that more vaccine won’t be available until June or July because of contract obligations to other nations.
Trump To Hold ‘Vaccine Summit’ But Key Drugmakers Reject Invite
Pfizer and Moderna, the two companies most likely to get first FDA emergency approvals for their vaccine candidates, will not be represented at Tuesday’s White House gathering.
Trump To Issue ‘America First’ Vaccine Executive Order
President Donald Trump will sign the directive to federal agencies during a vaccine summit Tuesday, though it is unclear why an executive order would be needed to ensure that vaccines are first distributed domestically.
In Step Toward Approval, FDA Confirms Efficacy And Safety Of Pfizer’s Vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration’s independent review of clinical trial data for Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine upholds findings about its protection against COVID-19 as well as safety, according to briefing documents written up for Thursday’s advisory panel meeting.
Landmark Day In West As UK Delivers Its First COVID Vaccine Shots
With the inoculation of 90-year-old Margaret Keenan, the United Kingdom kicked off its mass coronavirus vaccination program.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Rushed Vaccines (Remember Polio) And Compromising To Bring Fast Relief
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others as well.
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues.
States Renew Struggle Against COVID
With a populace tired of COVID restrictions — “pandemic fatigue” they call it — many state and local health officials press on. Though in Wyoming, comments about the pandemic from a pubic health officials are raising concerns.
Police Catch Up With Positive-Testing Child Right Before Airline Flight
Just 30 minutes before departure, Maryland police found the mother and child in a Baltimore airport. Other reports on break-room safety, pro athletes’ health, avocado consumption and more.
NYC Again Reopens Some Public School Classrooms
Schools news is from New York and Texas. News is also on a children’s hospital, sports for children, college campuses and more.
From Apps To Testing, Pandemic Innovations Deliver Mixed Results
Technology experts and public health officials have scrambled over the last few months to deliver tools that could help detect and combat the virus spread, but some are more successful than others.
Hopes Rise For Relief Deal As Details Of Bill Set To Be Released
A group of senators voiced optimism over the weekend for their skinnier stimulus package. More details of the plan are expected to be unveiled Monday.
Many Hospitals Continue Elective Surgeries
Hospitals say they won’t halt elective surgeries even in the face of the surging COVID cases. In other health industry news, the medical license of an Oregon doctor who derided masks as “masks of shame” and said his staff didn’t wear them was suspended.
Gene-Editing Technology Shows Promise For Blood Disorders
Patients with sickle-cell disease and beta-thalassemia who were treated with a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy showed promising positive results.
