Latest Morning Briefing Stories

With Schools Starting Online, Vaccinations Head for Recess

KFF Health News Original

Traditionally, requirements that kids undergo certain immunizations before attending school have been a critical public health tool. Health officials are scrambling to make sure children don’t fall through the cracks.

Will Labor Day Weekend Bring Another Holiday COVID Surge?

KFF Health News Original

Epidemiologists are having a hard time predicting whether Labor Day will be like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, when celebrations fanned the flames in coronavirus hot spots around the South and West.

As Threat of Valley Fever Grows Beyond the Southwest, Push Is On for Vaccine

KFF Health News Original

Efforts are underway to bring to market a vaccine for valley fever, a fungal infection with COVID-like symptoms that occurs in the deserts of the Southwest. The illness is getting more attention as cases rise and a warming climate threatens to spread it through the West.

LA County Authorities Cautious Despite Declining COVID Numbers

KFF Health News Original

The county, a hotbed of coronavirus infection in California, has seen a steady reduction in positive test results, new cases, hospitalizations and deaths over the past few weeks. But officials are concerned about public behavior over the Labor Day holiday weekend and wary of relaxing strictures too soon.

Dozens of U.S. Hospitals Poised to Defy FDA’s Directive on COVID Plasma

KFF Health News Original

The FDA, under pressure from the Trump administration, has authorized broader use of convalescent plasma for emergency treatment in COVID patients. But several major hospitals are resisting, saying they’ll opt instead to use the scarce resource to complete a clinical trial.

Watch: Florida Gutted Its Public Health System Ahead of Pandemic

KFF Health News Original

KHN Midwest editor and correspondent Laura Ungar appeared on Spectrum News and Fox 35 Orlando to discuss cuts to Florida’s public health system that have hampered its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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.