Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Oficiales de salud temen que el país no esté listo para una vacuna contra COVID-19

KFF Health News Original

El camino para entregar vacunas a 330 millones de personas sigue sin estar claro para los funcionarios de salud locales que, se espera, sean los que realicen el trabajo.

Health Officials Worry Nation’s Not Ready for COVID-19 Vaccine

KFF Health News Original

As the nation awaits a vaccine to end the pandemic, local health departments say they lack the staff, money, tools ― and a unified plan ― to distribute, administer and track millions of vaccines, most of which will require two doses. Dozens of doctors, nurses and health officials interviewed by KHN and The Associated Press expressed their concern and frustration over federal shortcomings.

Fauci dice que una vacuna contra COVID podría estar lista antes de lo esperado

KFF Health News Original

El experto en enfermedades infecciosas de más alto rango en el país dice que esto podría ocurrir si los ensayos clínicos en curso producen resultados abrumadoramente positivos.

Public Health Officials Are Our COVID Commanders. Treat Them With Respect.

KFF Health News Original

This pandemic is like war, and California’s local health officers are leading the state’s response. Yet unlike war heroes, who are lionized, they are facing unprecedented attacks and death threats.

For Kids With Special Needs, Online Schooling Divides Haves and Have-Nots

KFF Health News Original

Virtual classrooms are aggravating the economic disparities that plague education, with widening divides in access to supplies, workspace and parental guidance. The problem is especially acute for children with learning disabilities.

Med Students ‘Feel Very Behind’ Because of COVID-Induced Disruptions in Training

KFF Health News Original

The pandemic has led medical schools to cancel many of the rotations in hospitals and clinics that students perform to see a broad mix of patients with a diverse mix of problems.

Republican Convention, Day 4: Fireworks … and Shining a Light on Trump’s Claims

KFF Health News Original

Donald Trump accepted his party’s nomination to seek reelection for a second term as president in front of a partisan audience that appeared to largely lack masks and opt against social distancing.

COVID + Influenza: This Is a Good Year to Get a Flu Shot, Experts Advise

KFF Health News Original

A robust sign-up for flu shots could help head off a nightmare scenario in the coming winter of hospitals stuffed with both COVID-19 patients and those suffering from severe effects of influenza. Plus, no one knows how flu and COVID might interact if a patient got both.

How to Weigh Evacuation Options With Both Wildfires and COVID at Your Door

KFF Health News Original

As the twin disasters of COVID-19 and fire season sweep through California, thousands of residents are weighing difficult options, pitting risk against risk as they decide where to evacuate. Amid a virulent pandemic, where can you safely relocate?

5 Things to Know About Convalescent Blood Plasma

KFF Health News Original

President Donald Trump touted the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of this unproven COVID-19 treatment for emergency use. That set off reactions ranging from excitement and optimism to scientific concerns and criticism that the decision was politically motivated.

Pence Praises Trump’s ‘Seamless’ COVID Response, Leaves Out His State Feuds

KFF Health News Original

Early in the pandemic, Trump feuded with governors over whose responsibility it was to secure supplies and states sometimes found themselves competing with each other and the federal government for scarce personal protective equipment and testing materials.

Another COVID Mystery: Patients Survive Ventilator, But Linger in a Coma

KFF Health News Original

Doctors are diagnosing a new stage of COVID-19 recovery: patients who take much longer than usual to regain consciousness after coming off a ventilator. And a growing number of doctors are worried some patients aren’t being given the time they need to wake up.