Latest KFF Health News Stories
Deadly Disasters Here To Stay: Climate Report Offers Starkest Warnings Yet
Major climate-driven natural disasters — once rare — should now be considered the norm and will get worse, according to a United Nations report. World leaders are urged to take steps to mitigate the human toll.
Speculation Ramps Up Over Still-Unfilled FDA Chief Nomination
Over the weekend, names of potential Food and Drug Administration commissioner nominees were floated as the essential job remains empty over six months into the Biden administration. In other big news from the White House: CMS proposes nixing the Trump-era “Most Favored Nation” drug rule.
Weekend Work Clears Senate Path To Final Infrastructure Bill Vote
Senators are poised to pass the $1 trillion bipartisan bill this week as the dealmakers fend off criticism from both the right and left.
Some Protest Hospital Vaccine Rules — Wisconsin’s Senate Leader Approves
More than 200 protesters showed up Saturday at a Dallas medical center, protesting the ever-growing list of medical systems that are mandating covid vaccines. On Friday in Wisconsin, the state Senate President Chris Kapenga argued health care workers should “stand up” to such mandates.
Fake Vaccine Cards Are In Hot Demand On Social Media, Dark Web
The Wall Street Journal reports on surging sales of counterfeit covid vaccine cards online in the U.S. and in Europe. Also, celebrity vaccine endorsements, covid boosters, menstrual changes from covid shots and more.
‘Wave’ Of Mandates Coming Once FDA Fully Approves Vaccine, Fauci Says
“I hope that it will be within the next few weeks,” Dr. Anthony Fauci says of an expected Food and Drug Administration decision to grant full approval to Pfizer’s covid shot. When it comes, Fauci expects many businesses and schools will quickly require vaccinations.
Arkansas Judge Blocks Statewide Ban On Mask Mandates
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Sunday he’d made an error signing an April bill that banned mask mandates, and on Friday a judge temporarily halted the law. On Thursday, Arkansas was reported to have only 36 intensive care beds free. News outlets report on other mask rules elsewhere.
In Loss For Florida Governor, Judge Says Cruise Line Can Require Vaccines
In a nearly 60-page ruling, a federal judge said Norwegian Cruise Line successfully “demonstrated that public health will be jeopardized if it is required to suspend its vaccination requirement.” Other news is on Florida’s covid surge and the debate over masks in schools.
Schools ‘At A Fork In The Road’ On How To Open Safely, Education Chief Says
In related news, Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers, now says vaccines should be required for teachers.
Fauci Raises Warning Flag On Future, More Dangerous Covid Variants
Dr. Anthony Fauci warned that covid circulating among unvaccinated people could mutate to form an even more infectious or deadly version of the virus than delta, including variants that defeat vaccines. Research on delta, covid reinfections and more are also in the news.
Covid Takes Hold And Hospitals Fill, Again, As Infections Hit 6-Month High
Hospitalizations are up, forcing some health systems to raise alarms over capacity, as new U.S. daily covid cases soared over 100,000 — a level not seen in six months. Austin, Texas, was reported to have only six ICU beds available Saturday, to serve a city of 2.4 million people.
Border To Canada Back Open For Fully Vaccinated Americans
U.S. citizens are again welcome to visit our neighbor to the north, if they have received the full vaccine course of one of the four shots approved by Canada. Officials warn of travel delays as the new public health measures go into effect Monday.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Using AI To Make Health Care More Equitable; Money-Saving Drug Rebate Rule At Risk
Editorial pages cover these various public health issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on the delta variant, vaccine mandates and vaccine hesitancy.
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 covid, horseshoe crab blood, sweat, cannabis, Theranos and more.
Novavax Seeking Approval To Vaccinate Low-Income Countries First
U.S.-based Novavax said yesterday it’s asked regulators in India, Indonesia and the Philippines for emergency approval of its covid vaccine. Separately, China announced it will export 2 billion vaccine doses this year, and pay $100 million to the WHO-backed Covax program.
California Governor Urges Clearing Of Homeless Camps, More ‘Compassion’
“People shouldn’t be living out in the streets and sidewalks … and the notion that until everything is perfect, we can’t do anything [about encampments], I completely reject,” Gov. Gavin Newsom told the Los Angeles Times on Thursday.
Study Links Opioid Dose-Tapering With Risk Of Crisis, Overdose
Researchers looked at long-term pain patients trying to taper their doses and found a greater risk of mental health crisis and overdose. A separate analysis shows how opioid use across the U.S. varies by insurance coverage, with men and employed adults less likely to be prescribed.
‘Skinny Labels’ Court Ruling May Complicate Generic Drug Sales
Stat reports on a recent federal appeals court ruling about how generic drug makers can market their products. Modern Healthcare, meanwhile, reports on how health insurers allegedly use biologic shortage to boost biosimilars. Junk DNA, audits, PPE and FEMA are also in the news.
