Latest KFF Health News Stories
RFK Jr. Scoffs At Pediatrics Group For Still Encouraging Covid Vaccines
After the American Academy of Pediatrics broke with HHS guidance, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused the group of being in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies. AAP says its guidance is based on science. Vaccine researchers weighed in, saying: “There is no scientific evidence to support the changes that HHS made to covid vaccine recommendations.”
First Edition: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Psychedelics Show Promise For Treating Postpartum Depression
Reunion Neuroscience is conducting clinical trials on an injectable, single-dose drug that produces a state that’s similar to psilocybin but is generally much shorter, lasting about four hours. It also requires significantly less time in a clinical setting than medications already on the market.
Health Officials Say Texas Measles Outbreak Is Over, But Threat Lingers
Although no new cases have been reported in the Lone Star State for 42 days — double the virus’ incubation period — the area could see more infections due to the rise across the nation. Other states’ health threats include measles in Colorado, Valley fever in California, and malaria in New Jersey.
Hospitals Lean On Community Health Workers To Help Prevent ER Crowding
As Modern Healthcare reported, a rush of people left uninsured because of Medicaid cuts and/or ACA changes could overwhelm already packed emergency departments and hospitals. Community health workers can help people navigate insurance coverage to help prevent this.
Cash-Paying US Customers May Buy Ozempic At Discounted Rate Of $499
‘We do believe that people who face high out-of-pocket costs need more options,” said Kevin Donahoe, diabetes marketing chief for Novo Nordisk. Plus: a look at the drugmaker’s alliance with GoodRx; how pharmaceutical companies and health systems are responding to tariffs; and more.
Bucking The CDC, Pediatric Experts Back Covid Vaccine For Young Kids
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation is for children ages 6 to 23 months. In May, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed the covid vaccine from the CDC’s immunization schedule for healthy children. Meanwhile, MedPage Today reports on how financial conflicts of interest in federal vaccine panel members have actually fallen since 2000.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Use Of Over-The-Counter Opill Is High Among First-Time Birth Control Users
When Opill became available a year ago, public health experts anticipated it would benefit women without health insurance and those residing in rural areas. The goal was to boost access to reproductive care. A new study shows that the pill is having its desired effect.
First Edition: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss public health topics.
Cencora Will Pay $111M To Resolve Claims It Ignored Red Flags On Opioids
The company — known as AmerisourceBergen Corp. until 2023 — has reaped billions from opioid sales. Also in opioid-related news: overdose rates of older, Black men in Minnesota. Other public health news is on human hair’s role in dental care, air pollution from EV charging stations, and more.
Federal Deficit Increase Could Trigger $491B In Medicare Cuts, CBO Warns
A report Friday from the Congressional Budget Office showed that the tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump last month could trigger automatic cuts to Medicare if Congress does not act to curb a 2010 law that forces across-the-board cuts once legislation increases the federal deficit.
Now Available Online: AstraZeneca’s At-Home Flu Vaccine Nasal Spray
This new option, known as FluMist, was released Friday and is the same vaccine formulation that has been available in doctors’ offices for decades. Also in the news: covid, measles, and rabies.
With VA Union Contracts Voided, Staff Lose Extra Time Off After Baby Comes
Roughly 400,000 Veterans Affairs employees have lost the four extra weeks of unpaid maternity and paternity leave that the union contracts provided. Those affected include people giving birth this week, and those already on leave. Most VA employees are women.
Judge Again Rejects Ending Protections For Immigrant Minors In US Custody
Both Trump administrations have sought to end the Flores Settlement Agreement, which outlined care standards for children in detention facilities. “There is nothing new under the sun regarding the facts or the law,” said U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles. Plus: D.C.’s homeless struggle with new order; aid groups seek a full appeals court review over funding block; and more.
Leaked MAHA Report Largely Dodges Policy Proposals, Seeks More Studies
Stat unpacks key parts of the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy,” which mentions “addressing vaccine injuries.” It stops short of tackling HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s priorities (such as banning prescription drug marketing), hardly mentions ultraprocessed foods, and softens his tone on pesticides. Plus, Kennedy rules out another run for president.
First Edition: Monday, Aug. 18, 2025
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers delve into these public health topics.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on the presidential fitness test, Amtrak, 7Up, nurdles, and more.
