Latest KFF Health News Stories
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.
Murder Rate Soared Nearly 30% In 2020 Amid Stress Of Covid-19 Pandemic
There were an additional 4,901 homicides last year compared with 2019, the largest leap since national records started in 1960, The New York Times says. And CBS notes that a whopping 77% of the homicides were committed with a gun, the highest percentage ever reported.
American Dental Association Wants To Block Dental Coverage In Medicare
The ADA argues that Medicare won’t reimburse enough to cover their costs and seeks an alternative plan that would limit benefits to the poorest Medicare recipients, The Wall Street Journal says.
Humana Claims Biogen Illegally Paid Copays Under ‘Guise’ Of Charity
The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts on Friday, has to do with sales for the multiple sclerosis drugs Tysabri, Avonex and Tecfidera. Also in the news: Merck, Acceleron Pharma, Valneva and Pfizer.
Sanofi Halts Work On Its Covid Vaccine
The French company announced Tuesday that its shot produced neutralizing antibodies against the virus in early-stage clinical trials. However, it will not proceed with Phase 3 trials because the market is already well served, said Thomas Triomphe, head of Sanofi’s vaccine business.
Businesses, Services Eye Possible Disruptions As Vaccine Mandates Hit
From airlines to emergency response to prisons, employers are bracing for the fallout from covid vaccine requirements.
NYC Vaccine Mandate For Teachers Upheld By Federal Judges
New York City’s Department of Education says its requirement that all teachers and other school workers get the covid shot will take effect starting Friday after it survived another court challenge. Elsewhere, an Arizona judge ruled school mask mandates to be unconstitutional.
Even With Last-Minute Rush, Thousands Of Unvaccinated NY Health Workers Face Unemployment
A first round of health workers were terminated at some hospitals Monday, the date a New York vaccine mandate for all health workers went into effect. It’s estimated that thousands did not meet the deadline, leaving the state vulnerable to critical staffing shortages.
Fewest Number Of Americans Getting Covid Shot Since Tracking Started
And that slow pace is also having an impact on the economy. News outlets report on vaccine outreach across the nation, as well as in the NBA.
Summer Surge Peaked? Covid Cases Tapering Off In Some Areas
Nationally, the number of new infections reported daily declined 20%. And as experts try the predict the future of an unpredictable virus, news outlets report on what Americans can do to avoid another wave.
Senate Republicans Kill Effort To Suspend Debt Ceiling, Avert Shutdown
The House-passed legislation was blocked in the Senate on Monday, leaving Democrats scrambling for a plan B to avoid a government shutdown and U.S. loan default — an outcome that economists warn could lead to another recession. Meanwhile, intraparty tensions among Democrats mount over the intertwined infrastructure and social spending bills.
Top Officials Stepping Down From CDC And FDA Covid Teams
Leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covid response will now be held by Barbara Mahon. And at the Food and Drug Administration, Peter Marks will now head up the agency’s vaccine office.
