Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC Says People Who Are Immunocompromised Can Get Fourth Covid Shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated their guidance for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Those who have already received a third full dose of any mRNA vaccine may now get a fourth “booster” shot — classified as a partial dose.
FDA Advisers Vote To OK Low-Dose Pfizer Vaccine For Kids Ages 5 To 11
Determining that the benefits outweigh the risks, the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel voted 17-0, with one abstention, to recommend that Pfizer’s covid shot be allowed for younger children.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Biden Administration Banks On At-Home Covid Testing
The White House announced measures to try to overcome shortages, including a $70 million investment to aid manufacturers in getting their rapid tests through the federal approvals process. Other health news from the Biden administration reports on rental aid, transgender health, cancer and the mystery symptoms hitting U.S. diplomats.
Stretched ERs Report Wave Of Non-Covid Patients, Many Who Put Off Care
NPR reports on too-full emergency services. Other news on the covid pandemic’s impact on the health care industry focuses on hospital costs and nursing homes.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
White House Reveals New Travel Rules, Which Also Affect Unvaxxed Americans
News outlets cover the new guidelines, which will come into force Nov. 8. Rules are stricter for U.S. citizens who have not been vaccinated against covid — a negative covid test taken a day before traveling to the U.S. is now required — and unvaxxed foreign travelers will face more restrictions.
Perspectives: Some Parents Don’t Think Kids Need Covid Vaccine; Deciphering The Booster Shot Fiasco
Opinion writers tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
School Nurse Shortages Worsen, Relief Funds Not Seen Helping With Staffing
Stateline reports on ongoing school nurse staffing issues across the U.S., highlighting worries that new federal money likely will be spent other services — and “not on fresh troops.” Separately, San Francisco may be the first place to mandate paid sick leave for house cleaners and nannies.
Facebook ‘Froze’ In Face Of Anti-Vax Comment Storm, Failed To Stop Racism
AP reports that Facebook ignored advice from staffers on how to moderate a swarm of anti-vaccine, misinformation-led comments on its platform. USA Today reports that Facebook says it’s stopping hate and violence against the Black community, but its own research shows otherwise.
Panel Warns World Is Unprepared For Next Pandemic, Can’t Even End Covid
A report issued by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board says the world is not in a fit state to combat the next pandemic, and the globe “is unequal, divided, and unaccountable.” Separately, Indonesia and the U.S. called on G20 members to improve planning for the future pandemics.
Poll Shows Pandemic’s Deep Impact On Adults’ Basic Mental Health
A poll reported by NBC News shows the mental health impact of the pandemic has even impacted adults’ decision making processes, no matter the size of the decision. Separately, “rogue” antibodies are reportedly found in the brains of teens suffering serious mental problems after covid infections.
Shoppers Likely To Find Lower Premiums On 2022 ACA Marketplace Plans
Open enrollment starts Nov. 1. Meanwhile, Anthem is jumping back into Indiana’s marketplace.
3 Oklahoma Anti-Abortion Laws Blocked Before Taking Effect On Nov. 1
Oklahoma’s Supreme Court acted to block three anti-abortion laws scheduled to take effect Nov. 1. The court’s injunction is temporary. Separately, Ohio Attorney Gen. Dave Yost filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration Monday over a Trump-era ban on abortion referrals.
US Covid Cases Fall, But Some Signs Cause Worry As Winter Is Coming
“Tumbling” covid case counts cause some schools to think about relaxing masking, but the AP reports nationally that deaths have inched up over the past few weeks and some rural hospitals are strained as cold weather arrives. Arizona, reports note, has caught up with New York in covid deaths per capita.
Unsure If You Need A Booster? Even Experts Are Divided
With booster doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson covid vaccines accessible to millions of Americans, patients seek out guidance.
Religious Exemptions To Vaccine Mandates Could Be Tested In Supreme Court
A group of unvaccinated Maine health care workers are pressing the Supreme Court to block state rules mandating covid vaccines, arguing they violate religious liberty. Separately, a federal judge rejected a bid by first responders and other key workers to block Washington’s vax mandate.
Kids Age 6 To 11 Have Strong Immune Response To Vaccine, Moderna Says
The company reported that children in this age group had antibody levels 1.5 times higher than those seen in young adults one month after immunization was complete. Moderna said its vaccine proved safe and didn’t share its full data, but said it was going to submit it to U.S. and European regulators.
Medicare, Medicaid Measures May Not Survive Final Push To Spending Deal
News outlets report on the latest negotiations (as of Tuesday morning) as Democrats continue to pare back their ambitious and expensive plans.
First Edition: October 26, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
