Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: Anti-Vaxxers, Unusual Covid Cases, Childbirth Complications, Vaping
Editorial writers take on these various public health topics.
Medicare Examines Whether To Cover Pricey Alzheimer’s Drug Aduhelm
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services doesn’t expect to make a final decision on the $56,000-a-year drug until next year. And some Democratic lawmakers want to review the FDA’s controversial approval process for the treatment.
France, Greece Mandate Covid Vaccines For Health Care Workers
As Europe struggles with covid hotspots related to the delta variant, two nations are requiring all health care workers to be vaccinated. France boosted restrictions for non-vaccinated citizens, prompting a rush to get shots. Germany, Turkey and Israel are also in the news.
Covid Deepens Inequality, As Global Hunger Rises To 768 Million People
The new data on food insecurity came from the United Nations on Monday. Meanwhile, Biden administration monthly payments are set to begin heading to families with children and California plans a new $100 billion recovery plan that includes rent relief.
Decision On Remedial Plan For Mississippi Mental Health System Near
Meanwhile, North Carolina has a bipartisan bill to make medical marijuana legal with limits; California’s new covid rules in schools stoke controversy; a lawsuit alleges that pesticides led to brain damage in kids; and more.
Pandemic Era Telehealth Boom Reined-In By States, Insurers
Stat reports that though telehealth is here to stay, some state-issued emergency rules and insurer policies that were applied during the pandemic are being rolled back. The Houston Chronicle reports on calls for tech to also enable more in-person care.
WHO Advises Against Unscrupulous Human Gene Editing Experiments
The World Health Organization has moved to curb experiments that might result in the birth of more gene-edited humans. An advisory panel released new standards, and urged the WHO to stand by a 2019 statement from its director-general to halt dangerous experiments.
Medicine, Vaccine Access Impacted By Biden Executive Order
Stat News reports on President Joe Biden’s little-noticed move related to “march-in rights.” Meanwhile, hospital groups raise concerns about another just-released order. And the federal government faces a challenge in keeping up with China on scientific research.
HHS Spending Bill Moves Forward, Abortion-Ban Amendments Left Behind
The Department of Health and Human Services spending bill was advanced by House Democrats, excluding the Hyde Amendment to ban federal funding for abortions. Meanwhile, three senators promote a Medicaid-like plan to cover states that refused expansion while Democrats finalize a spending bill that would include Medicare dollars.
Clorox Partnered With Two Health Nonprofits During The Pandemic
Undark reports on the “curious union” between surface disinfectant maker Clorox and Cleveland Clinic and the CDC Foundation. Other reports note the gender disparity in getting a vaccine and dying from covid, and a study showing vaccines protect at-risk patients.
White House Tone Shifts Over Politicization Of Vaccine Campaigns
The Biden administration is increasingly critical of lawmakers who aren’t helping to encourage covid shots. And Dr. Anthony Fauci voiced horror over celebrations at a conservative gathering in relation to the U.S. falling short of vaccination goals.
Weary Health Workers Face Yet Another Wave Of Covid Hospitalizations
As every state experiences a spike in new covid cases, driven in large part from the delta variant, some hot spots are already seeing increased hospitalizations that match or exceed the winter surge.
WHO Says Rich Countries Shouldn’t Think Of Booster Shots, Donate Instead
The World Health Organization pushed back on efforts by Pfizer and other vaccine makers to promote covid booster shots. The organization also warned against mixing and matching vaccine types and confirms protections vaccines offer against the delta variant. Israel, meanwhile, started giving third shots to vulnerable patients.
J&J Vaccine Gets Additional Warning For Neurological Syndrome Risk
Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare in the general population, and most people eventually recover. As some reports link cases to side effects from Johnson & Johnson’s covid vaccine, the FDA is adding a warning to the shot label.
Booster Debate Continues After Pfizer Meets With US Officials
After the Monday meeting, U.S. officials said more data is needed and reiterated that those who are fully vaccinated do not need a booster, at least not yet.
Survey Finds 25% Of Nursing Homes Could Shutter In Next Year
And other news on aging and nursing homes comes out of Ohio, New York, Florida and Washington.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Kids’ Hearts Need To Be Checked; How Did Deadly Foreign Bacteria Make It To US?
Editorial writers take on these various public health topics.
Different Takes: How To Convince Gen Z To Get Vaccinated; Is A Booster Shot Needed?
Opinion writers take on these covid and vaccine issues.
Experts Worry As Fans Abandon Covid Safety Rules At Euro Soccer Final
Weak covid precautions among unmasked fans in the Euro soccer final have dismayed experts. Separately, the G-20 warns of rising covid variant infections, but data from the U.K. and Israel says the U.S. is well placed to avoid the worst effects from delta covid.
