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Latest KFF Health News Stories

After Pandemic Ravaged Nursing Homes, New State Laws Protect Residents

KFF Health News Original

This year, 23 states passed more than 70 pandemic-related provisions affecting nursing homes, including measures setting minimum staffing levels, expanding visitation protections and limiting owners’ profit margins.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Booster Time

KFF Health News Original

As the delta variant continues to spread around the U.S., the Biden administration is taking steps to authorize covid vaccine boosters, require nursing home workers to be vaccinated and protect school officials who want to require masks despite state laws banning those mandates. Meanwhile, the U.S. House is returning from its summer break early to start work on its giant budget bill, which includes a long list of health policy changes. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.

To Stoke Rural Vaccination Rates, Trusted Farmers Are Asked to Spread Word

KFF Health News Original

Rural health experts are calling on trusted agricultural leaders — like farmers and ranchers — to use their understanding of science and nudge vaccine-hesitant neighbors to roll up their sleeves for a covid shot. But some farmers say they doubt they can change anyone’s mind.

Covid Politics and Fatigue Work Against Contact-Tracing Foot Soldiers

KFF Health News Original

Local health officials find themselves once again behind the covid curve as the delta variant drives their case counts. With resources already stretched, along with the politicization of covid-19, county and state health departments in places like Missouri and Texas are making tough calls on whom to trace.

Federal Vaccine Program Hasn’t Helped Those Whose Lives Were Altered by Covid Shot

KFF Health News Original

A national vaccine court has paid out billions to families who could prove their kids were injured by vaccines. But there’s only a skeletal program for the rare victims of covid vaccination, raising concerns as the pressure for mandated shots grows.

The White House Says Boosters for All. Here’s What You Need to Know.

KFF Health News Original

Federal officials are preparing to offer those who received Pfizer or Moderna covid vaccines a third dose in September. But the FDA and CDC are still reviewing the data for final clearance.

Have Vaccines, Will Travel: On the Road With a Covid Entrepreneur

KFF Health News Original

While many businesses scaled back at the height of the pandemic, one Montana man used covid-19 to open his own mobile pharmacy. He’s now bringing covid shots to Montana’s vaccine deserts while filling his wallet. But he cannot fill all the vaccination gaps.

‘Tainted’ Blood: Covid Skeptics Request Blood Transfusions From Unvaccinated Donors

KFF Health News Original

In another twist on covid vaccine hesitancy, blood centers say they are starting to hear from transfusion patients demanding blood from unvaccinated donors. Experts say the option is neither practical nor medically justifiable.

Heces: la nueva herramienta de detección de covid y otras enfermedades

KFF Health News Original

Cuando se detecta la presencia de covid en las aguas residuales, se realizan pruebas a los estudiantes, al personal y a los profesores, lo que ha permitido a la universidad identificar y aislar a los individuos infectados que aún no muestran síntomas.

In Rural America, Twisting Arms to Take a Covid Vaccine First Takes Trust

KFF Health News Original

In communities across the country, the Cooperative Extension System, the same organization that supports 4-H clubs nationally, is tapping its roots in rural communities to promote vaccines. But its approach to getting people vaccinated in many communities, including Cairo, Illinois, must be nuanced.

Mensaje del CEO de Pfizer al público: confíen en nosotros con el refuerzo de la vacuna contra covid

KFF Health News Original

Pfizer anunció su ensayo global de fase 3 sobre una tercera dosis a mediados de julio. La fecha de finalización de ese ensayo es en 2022. Los resultados de la fase 3 suelen ser necesarios antes de la aprobación oficial.