Latest KFF Health News Stories
Nursing Home Workers, Mental Health Professionals In Short Supply
Low wages, limited benefits and difficult work make nursing home jobs hard to fill, experts say. Meanwhile, therapists are struggling with packed schedules.
First In The US: Iowa Airport To Begin Screening Travelers For Covid
Anyone who fails the mandatory temperature screening will be subject to a second review, which in a few weeks could include rapid testing.
Businesses, Churches Take Steps To Encourage Inoculations
The Aldi supermarket chain will provide paid leave for employees to get vaccinated. Mormon leaders urged followers to get vaccinated, as well.
NYC, San Francisco, Other Cities On Verge Of Running Out Of Vaccines
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says his state has 92,000 doses for 300,000 people who have signed up this week. News is on shortages and efforts to find more.
Moderna Vaccine: Storage Fails In Maine; Allergic Reactions In California Under Review
Replacements for the 4,400 doses are being sent to Maine. News on Moderna is on investment in the company’s stock and more.
Rush Is On To Detect And Study Virus Mutations
News outlets sum up what scientists know so far about emerging coronavirus strains and what you can do to try to avoid them.
Pfizer Vaccine Likely Works Just As Well Against Variant Identified In UK: Studies
Two new studies find that the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech should be effective against the more contagious B.1.1.7 strain that has already spread to many nations. Other news on how emerging mutations may respond to inoculations is reported as well.
Dr. Rachel Levine Nominated To Be Assistant Secretary Of Health
She could be the first transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate to a federal post. “She is a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administration’s health efforts,” President-elect Joe Biden said in a statement announcing Levine’s selection.
Trump Administration Takes One Last Jab At Government Scientists
The Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday that regulatory authority for reviewing the safety of animals produced for food using gene editing will shift from the FDA to the USDA, Politico reports.
Biden To Sign Day One Orders Shifting US Virus Fight
A series of executive orders will be signed in the Oval Office after today’s inauguration. In addition to the pandemic response, other health issues on President Joe Biden’s early-days docket include renewing membership in WHO, climate change, the “global gag rule” and more.
‘To Heal We Must Remember’: Biden Leads First Moment Of National Mourning
After arriving in Washington, D.C., the day before the inauguration, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris led a somber ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial to remember the 400,000 Americans who have died so far in the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump’s Health Legacy: Unfulfilled Promises And 400,000 Covid Deaths
“It’s been a great honor, the honor of a lifetime,” outgoing President Donald Trump told reporters before leaving the White House on Wednesday. “We accomplished a lot.” Later, from Joint Base Andrews, he said, “We will be back in some form.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
‘A Catastrophic Moral Failure’: WHO Chief Slams Rich Nations For Hogging Covid Vaccine
The World Health Organization also criticized China for its slow response to the initial coronavirus outbreak. Other global news is from India, Pakistan, Israel, China and Slovakia.
Viewpoints: Lessons On Arrival Of Biden’s Vaccine Plan, Trusting Loved Ones About Covid Risks
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and several other public health topics, as well.
Fired Florida Data Scientist Turns Herself In, Tests Positive
Rebekah Jones was fired in May and has repeatedly criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the crisis. News is also on a dangerous dust storm in Albuquerque; Milwaukee public health officials addressing violent crime; Iowa’s efforts to address dementia; and more.
Counterfeit Masks: Remove 3M Trademark, Judge Rules
News reports are on the communication problems that masks pose for children, how adults are navigating not commuting and more.
Houston Hospital Abruptly Closed Until Bill Is Paid
Doctors said the lock-out at Heights Hospital, now largely an outpatient clinic, happened without notice. News is on antitrust regulators studying the impact of physician practice mergers, as well.
Inoculated Health Workers Say They Feel Profound Relief, Are Optimistic
Across the country, weary medical personnel are embracing the freedoms that come with getting the covid vaccine. One nurse in Colorado Springs says she has ditched wearing a stifling N95 mask for her entire shift and instead uses just a surgical mask unless interacting with covid-positive patients.
Screen Time For Children Soars; Parents, Experts Alarmed
One child told his parents his devices were his “whole life.” The trend impacts mental health and suppresses melatonin, causing sleep disruption. Other news is on rising hospitalizations for children and more cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome, as well.
