Latest KFF Health News Stories
After August Uptick, US Covid Vaccination Rate Declines
Southern and central regions of the U.S. are leading the decline in covid vaccination rates, reversing a positive trend seen a month ago and ahead of the impact of the president’s new vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines is rewarding vaccinated workers with two days of bonus pay.
Foreign, Visiting The US? White House Plans Could Mean You Must Be Vaxxed
The White House has indicated that when it revamps the current pandemic travel restrictions, it may include a requirement that international visitors have had covid vaccinations. A former Department of Transportation chief is also urging the Biden administration toward similar strict moves.
Is It Time To Boost? FDA Scientists Say Vaccine Effectiveness Is Holding Up
Plans from the Biden administration to allow third doses of the Pfizer covid vaccine, targeted to start next week, hinge on FDA approval. But after analyzing data submitted by Pfizer, the agency’s scientists are voicing skepticism about that timing. News outlets report on the booster debate.
Justice Department Filing Details ‘Devastating Effects’ Of Texas Abortion Law
An Oct. 1 hearing has been scheduled for a federal judge to hear a request by U.S. attorneys to temporarily block the restrictive law. News outlets report on other fallouts as well how the abortion fight is playing out in other states.
Pfizer Targets November To Apply For Vaccine Authorization For Kids Under 5
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla says clinical trial data on how well his company’s covid vaccine works in 6-month to 5-year-old children could be released as early as the end of October. For children aged 5 to 11, emergency authorization could come sooner.
Medicaid Could Be Stripped From 15M When Pandemic Protections Expire
An Urban Institute report estimates that 90% of the people who qualified for Medicaid coverage during the covid crisis could be dropped once the public health emergency ends.
12.2M People Are On ACA Health Plans, The Most Since First Offered In 2014
About 2.8 million people signed up for Obamacare during the six-month special enrollment period that President Joe Biden ordered to help Americans during the pandemic, according to figures his administration released Wednesday.
Drug Pricing Plan Fails Key Test Of Democratic Support
With three moderate Democrats joining Republican opposition, the drug pricing provision was not approved in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s markup. Though the measure to allow Medicare to broadly negotiate prescription prices later passed another committee, the day’s events heightened concerns over whether it can pass the full House.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Pandemic Spurs Growth In Mental Health Treatments; Promising New Drugs For Depression
Editorial writers tackle a variety of public health topics.
Different Takes: What We Are Learning About Long Covid?; What The Science Says About Booster Shots
Opinion writers take on these covid and vaccine issues.
Perspectives: Generic Drugs Are Too Expensive, Too
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
FDA, Some Senators Voice Concern Over Drug-Patenting Process
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Study Warns Of Pandemic Risks From Thousands Of Other Coronaviruses
A study emphasizes risks of future pandemics from hundreds of thousands of people infected yearly by coronaviruses from animals. Meanwhile, the U.K. government has set out its winter covid plan, including boosters for the over 50s, and Mexico finishes a three month border area vaccine push.
DHS Pressed On Afghan Evacuee Plans So Hospitals Aren’t Strained
The Washington Post reports Virginia’s two senators are calling for the Biden administration to improve planning and coordination for Afghan evacuees needing medical attention, with some hospitals over-stretched by covid surges and evacuees. Separate reports highlight measles cases in some evacuees.
Study Links Vaping With Eating Disorder Risks Among College Students
A study says recent vaping or e-cigarette use was linked to an increased risk of eating disorders. And in Alaska, the third and fourth known cases of Alaskapox have been reported. Another report says two new human West Nile virus cases have been found in Massachusetts.
Data Hints Covid Vax Efficiency Fades, At Different Rates For Different Shots
Politico reports on unpublished data from Israel showing vaccine efficiency against covid infection falling over time, and how this impacted Biden administration plans for boosters. Axios highlights that Moderna’s mRNA shot keeps its effectiveness for longer than Pfizer’s one.
Theranos Whistleblower Says Company Used Employees’ Blood For Tests
A witness from Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes’ trial said the startup paid employees for blood to verify test performance. Testimony also said Holmes deliberately misled investors, partners and patients on the technology’s promise. Also: The cost of covid, Boston Children’s hospital and more.
NBA Players Won’t Be Required To Get Covid Shots This Season
Facing pressure from the players’ union, the NBA said it won’t be pursuing a vaccine mandate. Data says about 85% of players already have the shot. Separately, the Buffalo Bills will require proof of vaccines from fans at NFL games. Meanwhile, six New Orleans Saints coaching staff have covid.
HHS Takes Control Of Antibody Drugs, Will Send To Areas With Covid Surges
News outlets report the Department of Health and Human Services says providers won’t be able to order their own monoclonal antibody supplies, and instead they’ll be shared centrally based on case numbers. Separately, a study says long covid affects 1 in 10 kids infected in Israel.
