Latest KFF Health News Stories
Over 100 Days Of Lockdown Ends As Sydney Opens To Vaccinated Public
Sydney had suffered more than 100 days of lockdown during a serious covid surge. Meanwhile, Singapore has opened its borders to vaccinated travelers from more countries, including the U.S. and U.K. Reports from Brazil say Pfizer is planning to vaccinate everyone over 12 in the Brazilian city of Toledo.
Pandemic Stress Prompts 1.4 Million Texans To Sign Up For Obamacare
In other news, California schools will provide free menstrual products under a new law, Tennessee prisons now have a suicide prevention hotline and more.
Facing Lawmaker Pressure, Facebook Plans Changes To Protect Young Users
Politico reports on Facebook’s meek response after congressional pressure last week, with upcoming protections for Instagram that include content blocking and encouraging breaks. Meanwhile, reports say depression and anxieties have risen globally by over 25% during 2020.
September Saw 2021’s Second Biggest Decline Of Health Care Workers
Health care employment fell for the third time this year in September, according to a report in Modern Healthcare, with around 17,000 fewer workers. Separately, hospital staff are facing such a surge in violence that they’re raising the alarm. News outlets report on other health industry news, as well.
More Women Than Men Are Insured, Thanks To Medicaid Pregnancy Care
But Axios notes that the coverage can be short-lived, since Medicaid coverage ends after 60 days postpartum. Other news is on Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, the quality of Medicaid Advantage plans, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and more.
Some Colleges Have High Vax Rates, But Elsewhere, Lax Rules Irk Students
Nearly 90% of staff and students at Michigan State University have been vaccinated against covid, but in other places, complaints of weak covid measures from educators and students seem to land with a thud at the state level. Other media outlets cover more stories about covid and schools.
Health Experts Say If You’ve Had Covid And One Shot, Don’t Rush For Boosters
Meanwhile, a new California law bans harassing people on the way to get covid shots, and experts predict covid shots for kids will be very popular.
Big Military Vaccination Rate Gaps Remain As Deadlines Approach
Data assessed by The Washington Post show uneven responses within different services of the U.S. military ahead of staggered deadlines before punishments are levied against unvaccinated troops. This comes as the armed forces — and in particular the reservists — are experiencing a spike in covid deaths, almost entirely among those who have not been inoculated.
Merck Asks FDA For Emergency Authorization For Its Covid Pill
Early today, Merck and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics asked the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use approval for molnupiravir, meaning it may become the first oral antiviral treatment for covid. News outlets cover the story behind the drug’s progress and more.
MIS-C Cases In Children Have Jumped 12% Since August, CDC Says
There have been 5,217 pediatric cases reported through Oct. 4, and 46 children have died. Meanwhile, some hospitals are seeing “dramatic” increases in the number of kids hospitalized with covid.
Treat Yourself To Halloween, Fauci Says. But Beware Of Covid Tricks Ahead
“Enjoy it,” Dr. Anthony Fauci tells parents and kids when discussing the relative safety of outdoor trick-or-treating this Halloween, as covid cases continue to trend downward. Even so, he urges Americans to not let down their guard because infections “bounce back.”
Texas Abortion Law Back In Full Effect After Appeals Court Lifts Injunction
And Texas clinics and doctors that performed abortions outlawed by the state’s near-total ban during the two days a block was in effect last week could now face lawsuits. Meanwhile, the legal challenges continue as calls grow for the Supreme Court to step in and finally settle the case.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle these public health topics.
Opinion writers weigh in on molnupiravir, covid vaccines while pregnant and personal belief exemptions.
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 doctor’s notes, aging, a baseball umpire’s invention to prevent injuries, covid and more.
Nonconsensual Condom Removal — ‘Stealthing’ — Banned In California
California is the first state to ban the act, making it a civil offense to remove a condom without a partner’s consent. Lead risk inspectors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; North Carolina child care; frontline worker bonuses in Kentucky; and green investments from covid relief funds are also in the news.
Moderna Pushes Back At White House Goals For More Vaccine Donations
Reports in Politico say that although the Biden administration is pressing Moderna to increase international donations of its covid vaccine next year, the company is “resisting.” Meanwhile, Stat reports on the failings of the international COVAX effort to get shots to people around the globe.
US Politicians, Social Media Are Main Source For Misinfo, Americans Think
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs and the University of Chicago’s Pearson Institute poll found that about 75% of people think foreign governments spread less misinformation. Axios reports that despite a promise to ban harmful vaccine content, YouTube still allows lots to stay online.
Federal Judge Dismisses AbbVie Trade Secrets Case Against Alvotech
AbbVie had alleged Alvotech had recruited a former employee who then transferred data about its best-selling Humira treatment. In other news, the Food and Drug Administration halted trials by Allogene Therapeutics for its CAR-T cell therapy after a blood cancer patient had chromosome issues.
