Vaccines

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Booster Time

KFF Health News Original

As the delta variant continues to spread around the U.S., the Biden administration is taking steps to authorize covid vaccine boosters, require nursing home workers to be vaccinated and protect school officials who want to require masks despite state laws banning those mandates. Meanwhile, the U.S. House is returning from its summer break early to start work on its giant budget bill, which includes a long list of health policy changes. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.

To Stoke Rural Vaccination Rates, Trusted Farmers Are Asked to Spread Word

KFF Health News Original

Rural health experts are calling on trusted agricultural leaders — like farmers and ranchers — to use their understanding of science and nudge vaccine-hesitant neighbors to roll up their sleeves for a covid shot. But some farmers say they doubt they can change anyone’s mind.

Covid Politics and Fatigue Work Against Contact-Tracing Foot Soldiers

KFF Health News Original

Local health officials find themselves once again behind the covid curve as the delta variant drives their case counts. With resources already stretched, along with the politicization of covid-19, county and state health departments in places like Missouri and Texas are making tough calls on whom to trace.

Federal Vaccine Program Hasn’t Helped Those Whose Lives Were Altered by Covid Shot

KFF Health News Original

A national vaccine court has paid out billions to families who could prove their kids were injured by vaccines. But there’s only a skeletal program for the rare victims of covid vaccination, raising concerns as the pressure for mandated shots grows.

The White House Says Boosters for All. Here’s What You Need to Know.

KFF Health News Original

Federal officials are preparing to offer those who received Pfizer or Moderna covid vaccines a third dose in September. But the FDA and CDC are still reviewing the data for final clearance.

Have Vaccines, Will Travel: On the Road With a Covid Entrepreneur

KFF Health News Original

While many businesses scaled back at the height of the pandemic, one Montana man used covid-19 to open his own mobile pharmacy. He’s now bringing covid shots to Montana’s vaccine deserts while filling his wallet. But he cannot fill all the vaccination gaps.

In Rural America, Twisting Arms to Take a Covid Vaccine First Takes Trust

KFF Health News Original

In communities across the country, the Cooperative Extension System, the same organization that supports 4-H clubs nationally, is tapping its roots in rural communities to promote vaccines. But its approach to getting people vaccinated in many communities, including Cairo, Illinois, must be nuanced.

Mensaje del CEO de Pfizer al público: confíen en nosotros con el refuerzo de la vacuna contra covid

KFF Health News Original

Pfizer anunció su ensayo global de fase 3 sobre una tercera dosis a mediados de julio. La fecha de finalización de ese ensayo es en 2022. Los resultados de la fase 3 suelen ser necesarios antes de la aprobación oficial.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: The Senate Acts

KFF Health News Original

The U.S. Senate worked well into its scheduled August recess to pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a budget blueprint that outlines a much larger bill — covering key health priorities — to be written this fall. Meanwhile, the latest surge of covid is making both employers and schools rethink their opening plans. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call and Yasmeen Abutaleb of The Washington Post join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too.

Más embarazadas con covid en cuidados intensivos, expertos enfatizan que deben vacunarse

KFF Health News Original

La baja tasa de vacunación en este grupo es sorprendente, señalan médicos. Al 31 de julio, solo el 23% de las embarazadas habían recibido al menos una dosis de la vacuna contra el coronavirus, según estadísticas de los CDC.

Familias apoyan máscaras en las aulas, pero se oponen a la vacunación obligatoria

KFF Health News Original

Las fuertes opiniones públicas tienen lugar cuando la politización del debate sobre las máscaras en las aulas se vuelve más acalorada, coincidiendo con el inicio del año escolar, especialmente en Florida y Texas.