Latest KFF Health News Stories
CDC Likely To Stick With Its Current Mask Guidelines, Fauci Says
The CDC says fully vaccinated people can resume most indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask or social distancing. Meanwhile, Montana, Oregon and Maryland are shedding more of their covid restrictions or mandates.
Pfizer Says Vaccine Likely Available For Younger Kids By September Or October
A top executive at the company said it is closing in on its request for emergency-use authorization for children ages 5-11.
Michigan Latest State To Try Vaccine Lottery With $5 Million Sweepstakes
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will announce a vaccine incentive prize fund of over $5 million and nine college scholarships worth $55,000 each. Meanwhile, the White House celebrates vaccine progress, and Budweiser gives away free beer as an incentive.
Doctors Say Covid Symptoms Are Changing, Now Look More Like A Cold
Upper respiratory symptoms such as congestion, runny nose and headache seem to be increasing among those found to have the coronavirus. In other research news: vaccinated people who get covid appear to carry less of the virus; some wildlife may be able to spread covid to humans; and more.
Delta-Plus Is Here; US Testing Strategy Reevaluated As Variants Spread
The Biden administration is reportedly weighing diagnostic lessons learned from the pandemic’s last 15 months to try to prepare for the emergence of the delta strain. Meanwhile, the first case of delta-plus is detected in Louisiana.
Record Heat Likely To Blame For Hundreds Of Deaths In Northwest
Historic temperatures lingering over the region for five days officially caused 63 deaths with hundreds of others under investigation. And an Oregon public health official said, “This was a true health crisis that has underscored how deadly an extreme heat wave can be.” Meanwhile, much of the rest of the nation copes with a heat wave.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Different Takes: Problems Come With Vaccine Mandates; Should Vaccinated Re-Mask Due To Delta?
Opinion writers weigh in on covid, masks, vaccines and related health issues.
Viewpoints: Burnout Has Health Consequences; Mental Health Conservatorships Due For Change
Editorial pages tackle these various public health issues.
North Korea’s Leader Hints At ‘Grave’ Covid Crisis
North Korea’s leader previously denied there was any covid in the country. Separately, China’s Sinovac vaccine is effective in kids as young as 3, Australia struggles with AstraZeneca vaccine rules, and the U.K. is confident it can beat delta covid.
California To Extend Medi-Cal To Nearly 240,000 Undocumented People
Undocumented adults in California are often essential workers, and 235,000 of them will be eligible for free or low-cost medical services as early as next year. Police funding, suicide hotlines, homeless encampments and more are also in the news.
Marijuana Laws Change, But Exactly How Depends On Your State
From yesterday, people in New Mexico can possess and grow recreational marijuana, but confusion reigns in Virginia over what’s exactly legal after July 1. Meanwhile the first medical marijuana dispensary is set to open Thursday in South Dakota.
Northwest Heat Wave Prompts Hundreds Of ER Visits, 60 Deaths
The Oregonian reports on a farmworker’s death attributed simply to “heat,” and CNN covers ER visits and deaths in several Northwest states. In other news, excessive screen time linked to preteen obesity, and the future of cat allergy treatments is explained.
Poll Says Most Doctors Disapprove Of Alzheimer’s Drug Approval
The poll by Stat and Medscape also shows that nearly two thirds of doctors surveyed thought Biogen’s Aduhelm trial data was unclear about benefits. Stat also reports on how Biogen used a “back channel” to gain the drug’s approval at the FDA.
Perspectives: FDA Officials Explain Why They Approved Alzheimer’s Drug
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Walmart Launches Own Line Of Insulin
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
At least one Utah hospital has had to delay a surgical procedure as a critical blood shortage hits hospitals across the United States. Health experts warn that the shortage could affect the treatment of burn patients during the July Fourth weekend.
Hackers Hit Las Vegas Hospital, Stealing And Sharing Personal Data
The hacker group posted proof of the breach at University Medical Center by sharing images of people’s drivers licenses and more. In other news, a new report says Georgia skipped infection-control inspections of hospitals during the pandemic.
Most Unemployed Qualify For Deep ACA Subsidies Starting This Week
The Biden Administration announced the new benefit on 2021 federal Affordable Care Act plans starting July 1, as part of the pandemic relief package passed this spring. Meanwhile, the White House considers other changes to the health law.
Hospitals Lobby Against Proposed Medicare Cuts In Infrastructure Bill
Hospitals were already disappointed to not get new funding out of the infrastructure deal. The industry also objects to measures included to pay for the $1.2 trillion package — such as additional Medicare reimbursement reductions and clawing back unspent covid relief funds. Meanwhile, the White House touts the benefits of the legislation.
