Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study: Youths Are 5 Times More Likely To Catch COVID If They Vape, Smoke
Other pediatric topics in the news include COVID symptoms in kids, pregnancy and stress.
Is A Frozen Shipment The Source Of New Zealand’s New Outbreak?
Because of the country’s tight restrictions, local transmissions were ruled out as the cause of four new cases. Puzzled public health officials are now surface testing imported freight.
6 Feet May Not Be Enough Distance To Stop The Coronavirus
A new study suggests that live virus from aerosols can be found as much as 16 feet from patients.
Where ‘The Buck’ Will Stop On FDA’s Vaccine Review
Peter Marks, a top Food and Drug Administration career official, is likely to decide in the next several months whether a coronavirus vaccine is safe and effective enough to be given to tens of millions of Americans.
CMS Tests Alternative Payment Model For Rural Medicare Providers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will provide up to $2 million upfront to 15 rural communities to change how they deliver care to Medicare beneficiaries.
New Law ‘Significantly’ Cuts Into Paid Sick Leave For Health Care Workers, Report Says
In other developments related to health care personnel: doctors who deal daily with racism; nurses and physicians pressured to work despite positive COVID-19 tests; practices rethink how they get paid; and more.
White House Acknowledges Jobless Aid Will Be $100 Less A Week Than Pledged
Governors from both parties pushed back against President Donald Trump’s executive order, saying stretched state budgets cannot absorb the share assigned to them. Meanwhile, hope for progress on a legislative package fades further and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says it’s time to start over.
Trump Announces Deal To Buy 100M Doses Of Moderna’s Vaccine
The agreement is similar to ones made by the administration with other vaccine developers that will give the U.S. government access to large quantities of the preventives if they prove successful in ongoing trials.
Health Care And Harris: Where Does She Stand?
Modern Healthcare explores the positions Sen. Kamala Harris took on health care during her presidential bid. Meanwhile, women’s groups ready to fight back against sexist attacks launched against her selection as Joe Biden’s runnning mate.
Experts React With Caution To Russia’s Claims To Have First Vaccine
“The point is not to be first with a vaccine,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said. “The point is to have a vaccine that is safe and effective for the American people and the people of the world.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Trump’s Relief Orders; Lessons On Virus Myths, College Football’s Season
Editorial pages focus on these public health issues and others.
Different Takes: School Officials Face Worst Case Scenario; Dangers Of Delaying Childhood Vaccines
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care topics and others.
New Zealand Discovers First Cases In 102 Days, Imposes Travel Ban
Four members of a family not thought to have traveled overseas have tested positive. Global news is also from Guam and South Africa.
Report: Massachusetts Data On Emergency Child Care Centers Lacking
Media outlets report on COVID news from Massachusetts, Montana, Utah, Illinois, South Dakota and Rhode Island, as well.
New York’s Nursing Home Fatality Numbers Suspect; Anchorage Braces For ‘COVID Storm’
Media outlets report on news from New York, Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, Washington, California, and Michigan, as well.
Feds Press Pause On $765M Kodak Loan To Make Drug Ingredients
Regulators are reportedly investigating claims of insider trading. Other names in the news: Citizens for Truth in Drug Pricing, the Association of American Medical Colleges, Seres and more. The New York Times also takes a deeper dive into the challenges faced by FDA Chief Stephen Hahn.
As Telehealth Use Grows, Industry Tackles Thorny Issues
As more patients turn to virtual appointments, health care providers see ways the practice could stick around after the pandemic. Meanwhile, electronic health records companies eye a return to in-person work.
ICU Doctor And Nurse Shortages Loom
Critical care personnel are in demand in 26 states. News outlets also report on other pandemic hazards health care workers face.
Hypothermia Helped Some Critical COVID Patients Get Off Ventilators
Two of four patients in the experiment were successfully taken off mechanical ventilation after the treatment. Other topics in the news include seasonal changes in COVID-19, asymptomatic spread, antibodies and more.
