Latest KFF Health News Stories
Study Says Over 50% Of US Children Have Detectable Lead Levels In Blood
The exposures were worse in areas with pre-1950s housing, public insurance or high poverty. The CDC has concluded there is no safe level of lead exposure. A separate study finds a link between higher fruit and vegetable intake and better mental well-being in secondary school-age kids.
Health Industry Pushes To Control Its Own Cost, Access Issues
Modern Healthcare reports on increasing skepticism among health care leaders that central government control can address the industry’s own problems. Meanwhile, reports say not-for-profit Tower Health will sell and close two of its seven acute-care hospitals to address its operating losses.
Federal Judge Partly Blocks Arizona’s Genetic Abnormality Abortion Law
The ruling came as Judge Douglas L. Rayes found flaws in the law that would enable felony prosecutions for doctors who carried out abortions due to fetal genetic abnormalities. The “Save Chick-Fil-A” case and its impact on the recent abortion ban in Texas are also in the news.
The Latest On Covid Treatments — Including Some That Aren’t At All
Steroid nasal sprays might work — but hydrogen peroxide definitely doesn’t. Neither does ivermectin, but that hasn’t stopped prescriptions from soaring more than 70% between 2019 and 2021.
In Rare Move, FDA Tells Drugmakers To Redo Studies Because Of Data Errors
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that rates of clinical trials not related to covid are taking longer to recover in the U.K. than in some European countries. Separately, a new study shows that rates of cannabis use during early pregnancy shot up by 25% early in the pandemic.
Using Aduhelm Trick, Biogen Seeks Approval For Another Alzheimer’s Drug
The new drug from Biogen and partner Eisai, lecanemab, will attempt to use the same process that led to the recent approval of controversial drug Aduhelm. Meanwhile, Massachusetts’ biggest health care provider, Mass General Brigham, has said it will not offer Aduhelm to patients.
Missouri Hospital Issues Panic Buttons For Covid-Related Attacks On Staff
Meanwhile, AP reports on the “constant barrage of misinformation” driving increased public animosity to health care workers in Idaho. Separately, Anchorage’s public health manager resigns as record-level covid infections over-stretch hospitals. News outlets cover good and bad covid numbers.
Booster Rollout Starts With A Bang; Side Effects Feel Similar, People Say
At least 400,000 Americans received the Pfizer booster since it was authorized last week. The durability of immunity from a third shot is not yet known, but Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Tuesday that he expects protection to last around a year, Roll Call reports.
Study: When Trump Finally Endorsed Covid Shots, His Supporters Listened
The study, published in PLOS One, shows that the vaccine support video from former President Donald Trump swayed more of his voters to get shots than a video from an expert. Separately, USA Today reports that only 18% of pregnant people in the U.S. have had a dose of covid vaccine, with notable racial disparities.
Delta Fears And Mandates Spur More Americans To Get Covid Jab: Survey
A new survey on vaccine attitudes shows what motivates people to get vaccinated. Meanwhile, the impact of requirements is reported across industries and states.
Out Of Time, Many NY Health Workers Get Vaxxed — And Many Don’t
It was unclear how many workers lost their jobs or were suspended Tuesday, with some news outlets reporting “hundreds” and others saying “thousands.” Regardless, disruptions were felt across the state: Some nursing homes refused new patients and hospitals warned of even longer wait times.
What Happens To The Federal Covid Response In A Shutdown?
Stat spoke to a Biden administration official who says that key health agencies would be hit by staff shortages if the government partially shuts down next week, but that government efforts to combat covid will continue. Meanwhile, the future of Department of Transportation employees hinges on passing the infrastructure bill by Thursday.
Biden Seeks Deal With Holdout Dems To Push Spending Bill Ahead
President Joe Biden is focusing his attentions on striking a deal with Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who say the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill is too big. Meanwhile, a progressive group of House Democrats dig in over the infrastructure bill, scheduled for a vote tomorrow. Those high-stakes negotiations are set against a tense backdrop on the Hill, where lawmakers must also come up with ways to fund the government and pay U.S. debts.
Another Step Toward Covid Shots For Kids: Pfizer Submits Data To FDA
Pfizer and BioNTech provided the Food and Drug Administration with clinical trial data for kids between 5 and 11. The companies say that the tests showed that their covid vaccine is safe and effective for those ages and plans to request approval “in the coming weeks.” FDA OK may not come until November though, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: RSV Vaccine Needs To Be Added To VFC Program; Consequences Of Overturning Roe
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Different Takes: We Need More Clarity On Masking; Where Each State Ranks For Covid Susceptibility
Opinion pages tackle these covid and vaccine issues.
Biden Nominates Virologist To Coordinate Global HIV/AIDS Response
Dr. John Nkengasong, a U.S. citizen born in Cameroon, would be the first person of African descent to hold the position. The Senate must approve his eventual nomination. Other news is from Cuba, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, San Marino and South Korea.
Feds Want Less Stringent Testing For Carcinogens Near Los Alamos Nuke Lab
The request is part of a review of New Mexico’s surface water regulations done every three years. The new testing would be more limited in detecting polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, which can cause cancer, impair brain development and hurt reproductive systems.
DEA Issues Rare Warning: Fake Pills Could Have Lethal Doses Of Fentanyl
The counterfeit pills are being made to look like real opioids such as oxycodone, Percocet or Adderall and are sold on the street by dealers or online through social media platforms, NPR says.
