Latest KFF Health News Stories
Mask Rules For Most Florida Students Fly In Face Of Gov. DeSantis’ Orders
AP reports just over half of 2.8 million school students in Florida are facing mask mandates as school boards defy anti-mask rulings by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican. Separately, a Florida hospital removed a local doctor who had promised to sell mask opt-out letters to parents for $50.
Delta Air Lines Tells Its Employees: Get Vaccinated Or Pay $200-A-Month Fee
It’s similar to health insurance surcharges that some companies level on employees who smoke or use tobacco. In other news, the NFL has mandated that only fully vaccinated employees will have access to locker rooms on game days.
Over 100,000 Covid Patients Hospitalized; 77% Of ICU Beds Full
Nearly 30% of those patients in intensive care have covid. As the nation hits record numbers since vaccinations became available, concerns grow for children and those who are pregnant.
Pentagon Mandates Covid Shots For 800,000 Unvaxxed Troops Immediately
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin set out a demand for an “ambitious” vaccine timeline for military service members now that the Pfizer vaccine has full FDA approval. Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, reissued orders banning vaccine mandates in localities and school districts.
CMS Gives More Details On Its Mandate For Covid Vaccines At Nursing Homes
Modern Healthcare reports that nursing homes will first be notified that they are not in compliance. After that, they will be fined, denied payment and ultimately removed from Medicaid/Medicare if they do not comply.
FDA’s OK Of Covid Booster Likely To Allow Shorter Gap Of 6 Months
While the Biden administration previously announced that the approved window between original doses and a third shot would be 8 months, the Wall Street Journal spoke to an official who said the timeframe would be tightened. And Pfizer and BioNTech filed an application for full approval of its booster.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages examine expanded Medicaid issues, nicotine use in kids and antiviral development.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
Perspectives: Negotiating On Medicare Drug Prices Is An Absolute Necessity
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Price-Transparency Rules Go Beyond Federal Authority, Lawsuit Claims
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Global Covid Cases Hitting Plateau After 2-Month Surge, WHO Says
CNN reports the world’s daily count may be “plateauing,” according to the World Health Organization, ending a two-month surge. Meanwhile, the U.S. will provide another million shots to Vietnam, and the WHO raises worries about covid and medical supplies in Afghanistan.
Florida Doctors Protest About Low Vaccination Rates, Full Hospitals
Reports say “dozens” of doctors from Palm Beach County organized a meeting to voice frustrations about low vaccination rates in the state, resulting in overflowing hospitals. Meanwhile in Texas, the Harris County Commissioners Court voted to approve an extra $30 million to fund extra nurses in Houston.
Mental Health Issues, Delayed Surgery Stressing Hospitals Alongside Covid
Roll Call reports on how rising hospitalizations are not being driven by covid infections alone — side effects of the pandemic’s impact on society are also driving the surge. Also among other news, reports note insurers have stopped waiving costs for preventable covid care.
Study Shows HPV Vaccine Effective, But Less So Against Some Strains
A study shows while the Gardasil vaccine is effective against some strains of human papillomavirus, reducing infections, it was not so effective against some high-risk strains not in the vaccine. Separately, a study in health workers showed covid antibodies were found in breastmilk after vaccination.
Some Nevada Counties Report Worst Air Quality Ever, Due To Wildfires
Meanwhile, the U.S. Open will be offering mental health support to players — the AP notes that current Open champion Naomi Osaka has been responsible for raising awareness on the issue. Separately, NPR reports that more Americans would like mental health support but can’t afford it.
Task Force Pushes For Diabetes Screening At 35 For Overweight Adults
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published a study containing the new advice Tuesday, moving the age down from 40. Data also shows the diabetes rate among younger Americans is surging, with type 2 diabetes up 95% in people aged 10 to 19 over a 16-year period.
Covid Surge Leaves Ark. With No ICU Beds And La. With Record Deaths
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, announced the crisis Tuesday — the first time his state has run out of intensive care beds during the pandemic. Other reports say Louisiana hit a record death rate; 6,500 students are quarantined in Los Angeles; and Massachusetts has 131 breakthrough covid deaths.
No Conclusive Results Reached In 90-Day Probe Of Covid Origins: Reports
U.S. intelligence agencies delivered a preliminary classified report to President Joe Biden on Tuesday summarizing the findings of its investigation into the emergence of the coronavirus, news outlets report.
Politics Complicate Covid Tensions Between White House, GOP Governors
As the administration tries to ramp up pandemic response efforts in the face of the delta surge, some Republican governors see opportunities to take on President Joe Biden.
