Latest KFF Health News Stories
Vaccine Panel Follows WHO’s Advice, Adds Subclade K To Fall Flu Shots
In fact, the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommended that all three viral strains be changed in this fall’s doses. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary must sign off on the change. Meanwhile, as measles cases wane in South Carolina, other states report upticks.
First Edition: Friday, March 13, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Vaccine Panel To Weigh Which Strains Should Comprise This Fall’s Flu Shots
The gathering of the pared-down Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee — whose members all have expertise in infectious diseases, immunology, or global health and genetics — is seen as a good sign, public health advocates say.
For First Time In A Decade, LA County Sees Drop In Homeless Mortality Rate
The county saw a 10% decrease in the rate of homeless deaths from all causes in 2024, driven by a sharp decrease in overdose deaths. Public health officials credit the wide availability of naloxone but worry that a decrease in funding over the past year may reverse the positive trends.
Michigan MedTech Maker Falls Victim To Suspected Iran-Linked Hackers
Wednesday morning’s cyberattack targeted Stryker’s Microsoft programs across the globe. The company said it thinks the attack has been contained. Plus, news outlets look at how artificial intelligence is being used in the health sector.
Eye Doctor Tapped As EPA Adviser, Despite No Air Pollution Expertise
For 50 years, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee that counsels the EPA’s leadership on scientific evidence about pollutants has filled the obligatory physician’s seat with pulmonologists or cardiologists. Now the role will be filled by an ophthalmologist and political commentator.
Opinion writers delve into these public health issues and others.
Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Trump Admin Aims To Move Hundreds Of Veterans Into Guardianship
Under the new effort, the Justice Department would give Veterans Affairs officials authority to initiate guardianship proceedings in state courts for veterans who lack family and are “unable to make their own health care decisions,” including some veterans who are homeless or “at risk of homelessness.”
1 In 3 Americans Has Cut Back Daily Spending To Pay For Health Care
Two new Gallup polls also found that roughly half of middle-income households reported delaying a major life event in order to afford health care costs. Meanwhile, food stamp recipients are suing the Agriculture Department over sugary drink bans.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers discuss medical school, the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and more.
Study: New Blood Test May Forecast Women’s Dementia Risk 25 Years Early
Researchers looked at levels of p-tau217 among women with no signs of cognitive issues and found that those with higher levels were “much more likely” to develop dementia. Also: Psilocybin might be better at helping smokers quit than nicotine patches, researchers say.
Seeking Fresh Start From Its Troubles, Cassava Changes Its Name To Filana
As FiercePharma explains, the company is attempting to rebrand itself in the wake of a Justice Department investigation, a class-action lawsuit, and a failed attempt at treating Alzheimer’s. Plus: The FDA says Novo failed to report suspected incidents of GLP-1 side effects, as required by law.
Florida Senate Votes To Restore Access To AIDS Drug Assistance Program
The legislation includes $31 million to reinstate eligibility to thousands of people who lost coverage March 1 in the wake of a $120 million budget shortfall caused by federal funding cuts, WUSF reported. Separately, Missouri lawmakers have cleared the way for pregnant people to get a divorce.
Alleged Medicare Overpayments Cost Seniors $13.4B In Premium Increases
The Joint Economic Committee found that last year, the average American senior’s Medicare premiums were about 10% higher, or more than $200 annually, because of the alleged overpayments. Also: a CBS News analysis of alleged fraud among hospices in Los Angeles.
FDA OKs Leucovorin For Neurological Disorder, But Not As Autism Treatment
The Trump administration has touted the synthetic vitamin B9 as a way to treat autism, but there is insufficient data to support the drug’s use for it, an FDA official said. The new approval is for the treatment of cerebral folate deficiency.
Vaccine Advisers Have Abandoned Plan To Rethink Covid Vaccine, Sources Say
The Washington Post, citing two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has dropped its questioning of covid shots’ safety amid Republicans’ fears that more changes to vaccine policy could hurt the party in the midterm elections.
First Edition: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
