This Year’s Flu Shot Might Offer Less Protection, CDC Reports
October 4, 2024
Morning Briefing
The effectiveness of this year’s flu jab was lower in South America than for last season, which informs the CDC’s analysis about protection the shot may offer people in the U.S. come flu season. CDC data does show the shot lowered hospitalization risks in the Southern Hemisphere dramatically, though.
California Reports 2 Cases Of Bird Flu In People; EEE Risk Lessens In Mass.
October 4, 2024
Morning Briefing
In other news about Eastern equine encephalitis, New Hampshire confirmed a fifth human case in an adult who has died. Plus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urges more help from the federal government to fight mosquito-borne diseases.
First Edition: Friday, Oct. 4, 2024
October 4, 2024
Morning Briefing
TGIF! Here are today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Trump lidera el escepticismo por las vacunas, y el partido lo sigue
By Darius Tahir
October 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Trump ha liderado un cambio radical en la visión de su partido sobre las vacunas, reflejado esta temporada de campaña en afirmaciones falsas de candidatos republicanos durante las primarias y en teorías conspirativas desconcertantes de voces conservadoras prominentes.
Trump Leads, and His Party Follows, on Vaccine Skepticism
By Darius Tahir
October 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Former President Donald Trump has presided over a landslide shift in Republican views on vaccines, reflected in false claims by candidates in election primaries, puzzling conspiracies from prominent conservatives, and a surge in anti-vaccine policies in statehouses.
Here’s Why Getting a Covid Shot During Pregnancy Is Important
By Jackie Fortiér
October 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
New data from the CDC shows covid vaccination during pregnancy is key to protecting vulnerable newborns from the virus.
Es crítico vacunarse contra covid durante el embarazo
By Jackie Fortiér
October 4, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Casi el 90% de los bebés que tuvieron que ser hospitalizados con covid-19 tenían madres que no se vacunaron mientras estaban embarazadas, según nuevos datos publicados por los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades.
Vaccination Rates For School Entry Slip Below Pre-Covid Levels
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Federal data show vaccination levels dropped 2.3 points below the recommended 95% coverage level for kindergarteners, making it more likely that a single infection can cause an outbreak. Meanwhile, vaccination exemptions rose.
Outbreak Of Marburg Virus In Rwanda Causes Concern Over Potential Spread
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Stat reports that the outbreak is one of the biggest on record, and there are no licensed vaccines to fight the disease. The spread of bird flu, and the tick-borne disease Rickettsia parkeri are also in the news.
A Hurricane’s Potential Death Toll Ticks Up Long After The Storm: Study
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The study, published in the journal Nature, found that hurricanes and tropical storms can cause 7,000 to 11,000 excess deaths in the 15 years following the storm event. Also: News outlets report on hospital functioning during and in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Research Roundup: Cancer; Drug-Resistant TB; Ovarian Cancer; Long Covid
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
CMS, Drugmakers Will Have More Time To Haggle Over Medicare Drug Prices
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
In changing the negotiation process, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging more back and forth before making initial offers on medicines pegged for lower costs.
Gilead Permits Low-Cost Form Of HIV-Prevention Med For Poor Countries
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The decision to allow generic versions of lenacapavir, which would go to countries with the highest rates of infection, has the potential to bring about an end to the HIV pandemic.
Vance’s Vision For Health Care Calls For Experimenting With Risk Pools
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
The Republican vice presidential candidate’s suggestion to tinker with the ACA raises fear that folks with chronic health conditions would pay more. Policy experts note his contradicting statements. “Anything that separates out pre-existing conditions is doomed to utter failure,” one said.
Humana Shares Plummet After Feds Slash Rating
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Humana’s stock took a tumble after the provider admitted to the SEC that only about 1 in 4 of its members were signed up to Medicare Advantage plans rated four stars or more. Meanwhile, CMS is making it harder in 2025 for insurers to get top marks, due to changes in the way stars are calculated.
CDC Issues Warning On Knockoff Meds From Illegal Online Pharmacies
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
People should be wary of companies that don’t require a prescription and offer deep discounts, the agency said. The warning comes several days after the Justice Department sued illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit prescription pills that it says frequently contain fentanyl.
Study Links Black-Color Plastic In Toys, Kitchenware With Banned Chemicals
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
A particular plastic material commonly found in household goods like kitchen utensils may contain flame retardants that have been long banned. Meanwhile, a separate study found Southern California urban zones are exposed to chronic levels of “plasticizer” chemicals in the air.
First Edition: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
October 3, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
