Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Shows Vaccine Protections Weaker Against Omicron
New research also shows that though omicron caused higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death for fully-vaccinated people, shots did provide significant protection against severe cases needing hospital stays. Other studies show reinfections with the new BA.2 omicron subvariant are possible but rare.
In A First, Scientists Capture Electrical Signals From A Dying Brain
The new results were gained in a coincidental EEG procedure during which the patient suffered a heart attack. The results may prompt a rethink about death process, and even impact organ harvesting practices. Obesity, human gene regulation, an RSV vaccine, and more are also in the news.
Avian Flu Found In Several Florida Bird Species
Meanwhile, CDC advisers are considering whether to recommend a high-dose flu shot for seniors to help combat the illness. The increased costs of child care during the pandemic, and a settlement from Firestone over toxic sulfur emissions are also reported.
Florida, S.D., Indiana Lawmakers Move To Tighten Abortion Laws
A Florida House panel approved a bill banning abortions after 15 weeks; a South Dakota House committee endorsed a bill requiring people getting medical abortions to see a doctor three times and the Indiana Senate passed a bill seeking to thwart “coerced” abortions.
Washington State’s Public Option Insurance Plan Is Slow Out Of The Box
When Congress failed to add a government-sponsored insurance plan to those sold on the insurance marketplaces, Washington state opted to offer its own. But the initiative has been hampered by hospitals’ hesitancy to participate.
Supreme Court Won’t Consider Health Worker Bid For Religious Vaccine Exemption
The Supreme Court has again refused to hear a group of Maine health workers’ objection to their state’s covid vaccine mandate, that does not include a religious exemption. Other vaccine news focuses on “passports,” child vaccination rates and boosters.
Trans Health In Spotlight As Texas AG Calls Minors’ Gender Surgery ‘Abuse’
Reports cover how political actions impact the lives of transgender youths. Among the moves, a bill is introduced in the Idaho House to make gender confirmation surgery on minors illegal. In Texas the attorney general declared such surgery could constitute child abuse under state law.
Mask Mandates Dropped In Every State But One; More Cities Relax Rules
As covid cases dramatically dip, state-ordered public masking requirements only remain in Hawaii. Los Angeles and Chicago are also moving to lift some restrictions. But how to handle masks in schools remains a point of contention in many districts.
Braced For Future Variants, WHO Worried About Scaled Back Testing
With the omicron subvariant BA.2 still “of concern,” and other potential mutations on the horizon, the World Health Organization tells nations that now is not the time to reduce testing.
Covid Cases Down An Encouraging 90% From 5 Weeks Ago
Around 84,000 new cases per day on average are now being reported, as compared to the pandemic-high of 800,000 infections reported on Jan. 15. Hospitalizations are also in decline in most places. But conditions remain dangerous for young kids and people who are immunocompromised.
First Edition: February 23, 2022
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Tackling ‘Subtle’ Covid Misinformation; Getting Africa Vaccinated
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid, vaccine, masking and misinformation topics.
Viewpoints: What We Have Learned From Aduhelm; Florida Is Now Trying To Restrict Abortion Access
Editorial writers delve into these various public health topics.
Abortion Up To 24 Weeks Decriminalized In Colombia
The country’s constitutional court voted Monday to change the law, in what AP notes is another move to expand abortion access across Latin America. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is lifting covid restrictions, even as Queen Elizabeth II tested positive in what is reportedly a mild case.
Colorado’s Governor Pushes Back Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws
Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat and first openly gay man to be elected to the post, said Republicans had fixated on an issue “the American people have long move[d] past.” Meanwhile, an amendment to Floridian law would make schools tell parents of a child’s sexual orientation — if they’re not straight.
Florida Hospital Association Argues Against Cutting Medicaid Funds
The worry is that budget proposals which cut around $300 million for a “critical care fund” will affect the lots of the most vulnerable patients, WUSF reports. Meanwhile Axios notes results from a FAIR Health study showing the cost of an ambulance ride has “soared” over the last five years.
Scientists Hint Why Kids Have Milder Covid Outcomes
The “innate immune system,” the body’s very first reactions to infection, is the source of childrens’ milder covid experience, it’s reported. Meanwhile, a study shows that even though fewer children visit emergency rooms due to covid, more visited due to mental health issues during the pandemic.
Maine Reports Its First Avian Flu Case
Meanwhile, even as the influenza season is wrapping up, and seemed to be a mild one, worries emerge that it’s not over yet. In other news, a rise in teenage girls with eating disorders visiting the ER; concerns over toxic chemicals in some covid tests; a surge in pedestrian deaths; and more.
AstraZeneca Breast Cancer Drug Shows Success In Trials
Enhertu, which has been undergoing a late-stage clinical trial, helps patients with a particular type of breast cancer live longer — thus expanding other treatment options. It’s the first such therapeutic success against metastatic breast cancer in patients with low levels of a protein called HER2.
Cities Try To Tackle Homelessness Conditions Made Worse By Pandemic
New York City says it will try to offer support for the people now barred from sleeping in the subway system. Los Angeles resumes its count of people without housing. In Sacramento, vulnerable people say there is not enough access to bathrooms and water to keep them safe from covid.
