Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers focus on these pandemic topics and others.
EU Regulators Gear Up To Approve Vaccine; Trucks Move Doses Into Place
Members of the 27-nation bloc could start to be vaccinated Dec. 27 once approval is given for Pfizer’s vaccine. Other global news is on WHO’s agreement to obtain 2 billion doses and missteps by France’s Emmanuel Macron.
Amazon Closes New Jersey Facility; Montana Expected To Lift Mask Mandate
Media outlets report on news from New Jersey, Montana, Texas and Missouri.
Busy Airports: People Head Home For Holidays Despite Warnings
Staying put is a top priority, the CDC says. After that, it advises getting a COVID-19 test a few days before travel, and another a few days after travel, while reducing nonessential activities.
HHS Wants To Change HIPAA Rules
The proposed rule shifts are designed to give patients more control over their health data and make it easier for clinicians to share patient data with other providers and insurers, Modern Healthcare reports. Early responses to the changes have been positive.
How COVID Changed Drug Treatments
It was easier for some patients to get drugs in the pandemic. In other news, documents show how Sacklers removed cash from Purdue.
COVID Has Infected 1 In 5 US Inmates, And That May Be An Undercount
That’s compared to 1 in 20 Americans who have had COVID in the general American population. The Marshall Project and The Associated Press also report in their series on the role prisoner transfers have played on the crisis.
‘Midsummer Or Early Fall’: Murthy Offers ‘Realistic’ Timeline For Vaccine
Dr. Vivek Murthy, President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for surgeon general, said widespread inoculations for those who aren’t in the high-risk categories are likely to arrive later than the Trump administration has predicted.
‘Agonizing Decisions’: Stressed Hospital Workers Told To Make Rationing Plans
Many intensive care units are already over capacity, Bloomberg reports. News is on protective gear shortages hospitals continue to face, as well.
Johnson Orders Strict Lockdown In Britain To Fight Coronavirus Mutation
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting today with ministers after setting heavy restrictions in part of the country this weekend. The variant of the virus is not believed to lead to more serious illness but it spreads more easily.
Mutating Virus?: Stay The Course On Mask Wearing, No Reason For Alarm
And it doesn’t appear that the vaccines will be any less effective, experts say.
Here’s What’s In The COVID Stimulus Bill
More will unfold about details inside the bill, but for now we know there is $600 for anyone making less than $75,000, extended unemployment benefits of up to $300 per week through March 14, an extension of an eviction moratorium until Jan. 31, and food stamp increases by 15%.
At Last, A COVID Stimulus Bill From Congress
A deal was struck over the weekend and it appears that a $900 billion stimulus bill will be voted on today. What’s in it?
Operation Warp Speed Chief Takes Blame For Vaccine Distribution Error
Gen. Gustave Perna said a “miscommunication” over available shipments and the FDA’s certificate of analysis requirement resulted in a lowered number of expected doses going to 14 states this week.
Biden Lines Up For His COVID Shot As Others In Government Tout Theirs
The president-elect is scheduled to be vaccinated on live television today, although the time had not been announced as of early Monday. Meanwhile, both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell received their shots Friday.
Allergic Reactions To COVID Vaccine Investigated
Scientists are examining a few severe allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine.
With Two Vaccines Now Available, Inoculation Pace To Pick Up
CVS launched its portion of the federal program to vaccinate nursing and long-term care home residents.
Next In Vaccine Line?: CDC Panel Advises Essential Workers, People Over 75
A CDC advisory committee voted over the weekend on recommendations to the states on who should get the vaccine after health care workers and nursing home residents. Those groups include police, fire, school and grocery workers as well as Americans over the age of 75.
First Moderna Shots Expected To Be Administered Today
After its vaccine cleared final regulatory hoops for emergency use authorization, Moderna began shipping out to the states on Sunday.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
