Latest KFF Health News Stories
Vaccines Lower Long Covid Risks, Chances Of Death: Study
A study of 13 million U.S. veterans reported by CIDRAP says that covid vaccines reduce risks from serious long covid side effects, compared to unvaccinated people. A report in Fortune, meanwhile, says that up to 23 million Americans (about 7% of the population) may have the condition.
In Studies, Symptom-Free Patients Didn’t Spread Covid As Easily
Compared to symptomatic infections, the rate of viral spread to contacts was about two-thirds lower, new research has found. Also: Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has tested positive for covid; federal officials urge mask-wearing in Florida as cases there rise; and more.
WHO Says Monkeypox Outbreak Still Stoppable, Prepares For Bigger One
Media outlets cover the response from the World Health Organization to the ongoing and worsening global monkeypox outbreak, which has now affected around 200 people.
New Hampshire’s Anti-Abortion Bill Slightly Relaxed
The post-24-week ban on abortions in New Hampshire was modified Friday to include exceptions where the fetus has been found unable to survive, AP reports. And in Texas, the capital of Austin is pushing to effectively decriminalize abortion ahead of the Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade.
GOP Focuses On Mental Health, But Few Shooters Have Diagnosed Illness
After mass shootings, gun rights advocates often argue that more mental health services are needed to stop the violence instead of controlling the guns. But an analysis by Bloomberg points out that research shows that only a small percentage of violent behavior is connected to mental illness. Also, a look at the deep scars survivors of these shootings carry, the burdens on parents, and how those touched by the overwhelming news of the day can cope.
Pandemic Drop In Breastfeeding Exacerbates Stress On Formula Supply
The Wall Street Journal reports on a pandemic-fueled decline in the number of babies being breastfed in the U.S., which has contributed to the national infant formula shortage. And NPR writes about how a lack of maternal support and aggressive marketing by formula makers has contributed to that trend.
Sens. Murphy And Cornyn Seek Framework For Modest Gun Bill
The senators head up an effort to find actions that would be able to get bipartisan support in Congress and help tame gun violence. It’s an effort that has fallen short in many previous attempts, and they likely have only a short time to strike a deal before the political momentum will change.
HHS: Higher Medicare Premiums Stay In Place This Year, Will Drop In 2023
Medicare’s highest-ever price increase in 2022 was driven by estimated costs for the controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm. But even with severely limited coverage, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services determined that a mid-year premium adjustment is not operationally feasible. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced though that they would go down next year.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: More Research Needed On ALS; California’s CARE Court For Mentally Ill Has Too Many Flaws
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
Different Takes: Both FDA And Abbott Failed To Protect US Babies; FDA Must Approve OTC Birth Control
Opinion writers tackle baby formula, reproductive rights, and covid.
North Korea’s Official 0.002% Covid Death Rate Met With Disbelief
AP reporting notes only 69 are said to have died among about 3.3 million people infected. Meanwhile, North Korea’s vaccine program is limited to only select groups of soldiers. Separately, the World Health Assembly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on mental health, Alzheimer’s, smartphone accessibility updates, menstrual leave, covid, hockey great Vladimir Konstantinov, and more.
Peanut Butter Recall Hits Other Makers’ Products Across States, Borders
The footprint of the Jif peanut butter recall, according to a report at NPR, is extending into other companies’ products. The initial salmonella outbreak at the J.M. Smucker Co. Kentucky plant means products are even being affected as far away as Japan.
CVS Unveils Virtual Care Services For Aetna, Caremark Members
Eligible Aetna and CVS Caremark members will be able to use CVS Health Virtual Primary Care to request remote primary care, chronic condition management, and mental health services. The platform will roll out in 2023.
To Tackle Drug Prices, FDA OKs Some Imports Of Drugs From Canada
New Food and Drug Administration guidance says that for up to 2 years wholesalers and pharmacists can import prescription drugs from Canada. Separately, a report says that though global cancer drug launches hit a high in 2021, spending on oncology drugs did too.
Navy ‘Separates’ Over 1,000 Sailors Over Covid Shot Refusals
Separation, in Navy parlance, is not like being discharged, but means the sailor must leave their active duty position. Meanwhile, at UCLA, an indoor mask rule is back in place after case counts rise. Mix-and-match booster shots, the FDA’s decision on Novavax, and more vaccine news is reported.
Suspected Covid Cases May Soon Not Be Reported By CDC
Bloomberg says it has seen a draft of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plan on reporting covid cases, and it includes changes to data collection habits that may now be outdated or redundant — including hospitals reporting suspected but untested covid cases.
White House Pushes Easier Access To Paxlovid To Tackle Covid
The White House is aiming to improve access to Pfizer’s antiviral drug amid worries that covid will surge during summer travel season. Meanwhile, “Paxlovid mouth” is a growing phenomenon, where patients suffer a “horrible” taste in their mouths after taking the drug.
Senate Panel Floats Telehealth Expansion For Medicare Mental Health Care
Included in a telehealth “bill of rights” issued by the Senate Finance Committee Thursday is a measure that would allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive mental health services online without first seeing a provider in person. That requirement was lifted during the pandemic and lawmakers said it was successful.
