Latest KFF Health News Stories
Facebook Bans Ads Describing Vaccinations As Unsafe, Useless
The tech giant’s head of health initiatives says Facebook wants to help spread information about the efficacy of vaccines. Other coronavirus-related news is on bird songs, glam masks, sports, schools and more.
Federal Survey Will Help Evaluate Electronic Health Record Systems
Clinicians, pharmacists and hospital information technology staff will be asked to answer questions evaluating the EHR systems’ interoperability, usability, privacy and other factors. In other news, a doctor faces trial after reports that he mistreated patients with unnecessary gynecological surgeries.
Johnson & Johnson Tacks On Another $1 Billion In Opioid Settlement
The drugmaker said its additional payment “results from continued negotiations.” The amount brings the company’s contribution up to $5 billion.
New Details On How COVID Spreads And Your Risk For Severe Illness
Research suggests that humidifiers may help stem the spread of coronavirus during winter. And a new study finds that humans passed COVID to lions and tigers at the Bronx Zoo in March.
Pfizer To Add Teens To Its Testing Protocol For A Vaccine
Researchers for the company say some parents have asked to enroll their children. Also in news about vaccines, the Food and Drug Administration rejects efforts by the administration to change the terminology on emergency use authorizations.
Senate To Vote On New Skinny COVID Relief Plan
As a deal on a larger package between congressional lawmakers and the White House remains elusive, Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says senators will consider a “targeted” bill next week.
Tensions Between Trump And Fauci Bubble Over Contested Campaign Ad
President Donald Trump attacked his top infectious disease expert in a tweet after Dr. Anthony Fauci criticized the president’s re-election campaign for using an old, out-of-context statement without permission in an advertisement.
Drop Boxes Emerge As Unlikely Battleground In Early Voting Tensions
As citizens seek safe ways to vote during a pandemic, the validity and locations of ballot drop boxes in California and Texas are at issue. Other early voting obstacles have emerged as Americans turn out early in record numbers.
Labor Secretary’s Wife Tests Positive For COVID
While infections in the White House orbit continue to spread, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said no outbreaks have been identified following President Donald Trump’s fundraiser held in the state the night he tested positive for COVID-19.
Trump Rallies Next In Iowa, A Viral Hot Spot; Biden Pounds On Pandemic Response
Sparring over contentious health care issues dominates the final weeks of the presidential campaign, as well as congressional and state contests.
Controversial Herd Immunity Plan Finds Supporters In Trump Administration
White House advisers are reportedly embracing the theory of allowing COVID-19 to spread in young populations while protecting older people, despite announcements from the NIH calling the approach dangerous and from WHO saying it is unethical and unrealistic.
Social Security Checks To Rise An Average Of $20 A Month Next Year
Part of that increase, however, will go to pay for higher Medicare premiums. Also, it seems unlikely that President Donald Trump’s plans to send Medicare beneficiaries a $200 card to help defray drug expenses can be completed before the election.
Eli Lilly’s Antibody Treatment Testing On Hold Over Safety Concerns
NIH paused clinical trials of Eli Lilly’s monoclonal antibody treatment after one of the study groups “crossed a safety threshold.” Separately, Reuters reports that FDA investigators discovered quality control issues at a plant manufacturing the experimental therapeutic.
High Court Refuses To Block Medicaid Funds For Planned Parenthood in S.C.
The eight justices declined to consider an appeal in which South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster sought to remove two clinics — in Charleston and Columbia — from the state’s Medicaid network. Planned Parenthood cheered the decision but warned there are at least two dozen pending cases across the nation.
Barrett Says She’s ‘Not Hostile’ To ACA; Confirmation Hearings End Today
Also on Tuesday, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Joe Biden’s vice presidential running mate, dinged Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett for dodging questions about how she viewed the precedents set by Roe v. Wade in 1973 and Casey v. Planned Parenthood in 1992, which established and affirmed a woman’s right to an abortion.
It’s Not Just Big Gatherings Driving Fall Surge; Small Ones Also A Threat, CDC Director Warns
With cases on the rise in at least 36 states, especially in the Midwest, CDC Director Robert Redfield says: “What we’re seeing as the increasing threat right now is actually acquisition of infection through small household gatherings.” And NPR examines why the U.S. death rate is far higher than other nations.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others as well.
Infections Back In China: Entire City Is Being Tested
The last time China reported locally transmitted cases was in August. News is from Denmark, Cuba and Mexico, as well.
Major Manufacturer Of Testing Swabs To Open Another Factory In Maine
Puritan Medical Products is using federal pandemic relief funds to build the second plant in Pittsfield. Also in the news: Abbott; Roche; Moderna; bias in health care software; and Alzheimer’s disease.
