Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biden Admin Buying More Of Pfizer’s Covid Pill As Hospitals Clamor For It
The goal is to have enough courses of Paxlovid for 20 million people. Still, Pfizer says it will take months to ramp up supply because of the complexity involved in making the pill.
Study: Infants Born In Early Pandemic Have Slight Lag In Motor, Social Skills
The study, in JAMA Pediatrics, followed 255 babies born from March to December 2020 in New York City, NBC News reports. The authors stressed that the results may not indicate long-term delays in development.
As Omicron Dominates New Cases, Strain On Some ICUs May Be Easing
While covid infections remain at record levels, the number of people hospitalized is fortunately not following the same trend line, as it’s done previously in the pandemic. Health officials say that’s due to vaccinations and that omicron appears to be causing less severe illness than previous variations of the virus.
Biden Tells Vaccinated: Be Concerned, ‘Not Alarmed’ Over Omicron Spike
For those who have not had the covid vaccine yet, President Joe Biden pleaded with them to reconsider during his pandemic remarks. He urged all to wear masks and take precautions during the “challenging” weeks ahead, but said that in-person schooling should continue.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Should Medicare Pay For Aduhelm?; Learning From Past Abortion Bans
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
Different Takes: Houston’s Corbevax Vaccine Is A Game-Changer; CDC’s New Guidance Concerns Many
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
Texas Abortion Providers Seek To Untangle Supreme Court Appeals Case
Providers say a federal appeals court is blocking their challenge to Texas’ strict anti-abortion law. Meanwhile, in California, a large-scale sewage spill has cleared enough for some beaches to reopen, but in Wisconsin another town has drinking water challenges after finding “forever” chemicals.
Diapers, Baby Products In Short Supply As Births Boom
Fox News reports that a recent pandemic-related surge in births (against a background of declining birth rates) is complicating access to vital baby goods. Separately, a report says home births in Connecticut are rising as people seek alternative solutions to covid-hit hospitals.
Ten-Month Nurse Strike Ends At Massachusetts’ St. Vincent Hospital
A new contract was signed with hospital parent Tenet Healthcare, ending the longest nursing strike in state history. In other news, telehealth declined in 2021 after 2020’s boom; five things to know about CMS’ proposed rules for exchange plans; racism in medicine; and more.
Jury Finds Blood Testing Firm Founder Elizabeth Holmes Guilty
Elizabeth Holmes was found guilty in 4 of 11 charges against her as a jury decided she misled investors over the promise of blood testing tech startup Theranos. The New York Times reports on what will happen to her now, as AP reports it’s “unlikely” Silicon Valley investors will learn anything from the case.
Prices Jump 5% For 2022 On More Than 450 Prescription Drugs
A report in Stat shows drug prices for some products jumped a median of 5% over 2021’s numbers, in line with recent year-end increases. In other news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is disposing of a Trump-era policy fixing drug prices relative to other wealthy nations.
Biden Targets Meat Industry To Tackle High Food Costs
The new plan includes tighter regulations for meatpackers, with an assumption the industry has been inflating the nation’s food bills. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture’s new rules for consumer labels on genetically modified food products have gone into effect.
Judge Temporarily Bars Pentagon From Taking Action Against Unvaccinated Sailors
Challenges against covid vaccine mandates continue to make their way through the courts and statehouses while regional governments and businesses mull additional requirements.
Study: Antibodies From Covid Infection Can Later Attack Healthy Organs
The research showed persistent antibodies after six months, even if the patient had not been severely ill with covid. Other news is on covid among deer, “flurona” in unvaxxed pregnant women and more.
Parents Fret As Kids Return To School
Some experts — including Education Secretary Miguel Cardona — insist it’s safe for children to be in the classroom. But what about schools without requirements for masking, vaccines or physical distancing? Many parents are left with no choice but to wait and see.
In Face Of Confusion And Pushback, CDC May Add Testing To Isolation Guidance
Dr. Anthony Fauci signaled that a negative covid test may be added to the recommendation. It would be yet another shift to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines about when someone with covid can come out of isolation. And tests are still hard to come by.
One Day, One Million-Plus Covid Cases: Biden To Speak About Historic Surge
President Joe Biden will address the nation as nearly every corner of it is experiencing an unprecedented rush of covid infections.
Just One More Hurdle To Clear Before Kids Ages 12 To 15 Can Get Booster
The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the use of the Pfizer covid vaccine booster for those who are 12 to 15 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to sign off as well this week, as record numbers of children are being hospitalized due to the virus.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
