| Monday, March 8, 2021 - Kaiser Health News Posted: 08 Mar 2021 06:15 AM PST  From Kaiser Health News - Latest Stories: On Vacci-Dating: Singles Seem Enamored of Sharing Vaccination Status Online. Is That Wise? When considering whether to meet up with someone who is vaccinated versus unvaccinated, vaccinated sounds somewhat safer. But before you give pandemic dating a shot, heed these warnings from experts. (Victoria Knight, 3/8) Push Is On for States to Ban Organ Transplant Discrimination States are passing laws that would prevent people with Down syndrome, autism and other disabilities from being denied transplants solely because of their conditions. (Sara Reardon, 3/8) California's Vaccine Appointment Website Has Glitches. No Surprise? Experts give poor usability ratings to My Turn, the new statewide sign-up app for covid vaccination. But with so many problems plaguing the vaccination effort, it seems unreasonable to have expected this one to work perfectly. (Miranda Green, 3/5) Fact Check: Biden's Criticism of Trump Team's Vaccine Contracts Is a Stretch Under the Trump administration, the U.S. had agreed to buy at least 1 billion doses of covid vaccine, enough to vaccinate 550 million people. Those agreements, though, applied to vaccines that were authorized as well as those still in development. And the Biden team had the advantage of 20/20, experts say. (Victoria Knight, 3/8) KHN on Air: Journalists Dissect Covid Vaccines and Variants KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here's a collection of their appearances. (3/6) Political Cartoon: 'Sleeves Up?' Kaiser Health News provides a fresh take on health policy developments with "Political Cartoon: 'Sleeves Up?'" by John Darkow. Here's today's health policy haiku: BLAST FROM THE PAST Recall ACA?
Covid news domination —
Boost coverage now! - Paul Hughes-Cromwick If you have a health policy haiku to share, please Contact Us and let us know if you want us to include your name. Keep in mind that we give extra points if you link back to a KHN original story. Sign up to get the morning briefing in your inbox Summaries Of The News: Amended Covid Relief Bill Heads Back To The House The Senate narrowly approved the massive stimulus package after 24 hours of votes that reshaped the legislation. Before it can go to President Joe Biden, Democrats must hold together their majority in the House to pass it again despite the measures now stripped out. Roll Call: Senate Passes Massive COVID-19 Relief Bill, Sending Changes Back To House
The Senate approved a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package Saturday, sending it back to the House where Democratic leaders will need to convince their members to back changes to unemployment insurance and tax rebate checks. The 50-49 party-line vote capped off the more than 24 hours of continuous voting, courtesy of the fast-track process Democrats are using to advance the pandemic aid package. (Shutt, 3/6) CNN: Stimulus Update: House To Vote On Biden's $1.9 Trillion Covid Relief Plan Tuesday
The House is scheduled to vote Tuesday on the Senate version of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill, a timeline that could see the sweeping legislation signed into law early this week. On Monday evening, the House will vote on the terms for the bill's consideration, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said in a statement, and the chamber will vote to approve the changes made in the Senate the following day. (LeBlanc, 3/8) Also — The New York Times: What's In The Stimulus Bill? A Guide To Where The $1.9 Trillion Is Going
President Biden's $1.9 trillion economic stimulus plan would have far-reaching effects on society as the country tries to turn the corner on a pandemic that has killed more than half a million people in the United States. The mammoth bill approved by the Senate on Saturday would provide direct payments to Americans, extend jobless benefits and provide a huge financial infusion to states and local governments as well as to schools to help them reopen. It provides funding for priorities like coronavirus testing and vaccine distribution. And it amounts to an ambitious antipoverty program, offering significant benefits for low-income people. (Kaplan, 3/7) Roll Call: Gig Workers Would Pay Higher Taxes Under Coronavirus Aid Bill
A last-minute insert by Democrats looking to offset the cost of their coronavirus aid package would send tax collectors into the gig economy, eventually costing Uber and DoorDash drivers, Airbnb hosts and others about $1 billion annually. Under current law, such online platforms only have to report to the IRS when they pay individuals at least 200 times a year, for a minimum $20,000. The change inserted into a managers' amendment just before House floor debate on the $1.9 trillion measure would cut that threshold to $600, regardless of how many transactions, generating an estimated $8.4 billion in extra tax revenue through fiscal 2031. (Sword, 3/5) The New York Times: In the Stimulus Bill, a Policy Revolution in Aid for Children
Obscured by other parts of President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package, which won Senate approval on Saturday, the child benefit has the makings of a policy revolution. Though framed in technocratic terms as an expansion of an existing tax credit, it is essentially a guaranteed income for families with children, akin to children's allowances that are common in other rich countries. (DeParle, 3/7) CNBC: Covid Relief: Biden Says Stimulus Checks Coming This Month After Bill Passes
President Joe Biden said Saturday that Americans will start getting their stimulus checks this month, as Democrats rush to send more aide out. "When we took office 45 days ago, I promised the American people that help was on the way. Today, I can say we've taken one more giant step forward in delivering on that promise that help is on the way," Biden said in an afternoon press conference. (Bursztynsky, 3/6) While Rates Of Vaccination Speed Up, Fourth Surge May Be Brewing The U.S. hit record levels for the number of vaccines administered over the weekend. But federal and public health officials plead with state governments and the public to stay careful with the threat of another surge of infections looming. CNBC: U.S. Hits Record Daily Covid Vaccinations But Health Officials Warn Against Loosening Restrictions
The United States administered a record number of Covid-19 vaccines over the weekend as public health officials call on state leaders to keep social distancing measures in place in order to avoid a new surge that could undermine progress in fighting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention administered 2.9 million vaccines on Saturday, a record, and 2.4 million on Sunday, according to the agency's latest tally. The numbers are subject to revisions as more data becomes available to public health officials. (Macias, 3/7) CNN: Here's How Close The US Is To A Possible Covid-19 Surge, Expert Warns
The US is in the "eye of the hurricane" right now, according to epidemiologist Michael Osterholm. After months of devastation, it appeared things were heading in the right direction with officials reporting several weeks of steep declines in Covid-19 cases and lowered hospitalization numbers. But now case declines have stopped and infection numbers plateaued at very high levels -- with the US averaging roughly 60,000 new cases daily in the past week. Multiple governors have eased Covid-19 safety measures despite health officials' warnings. Spring break events are kicking off across the country, threatening the potential for further spread of the virus. (Maxouris, 3/8) The New York Times: In Oregon, Scientists Find A Virus Variant With A Worrying Mutation
Scientists in Oregon have spotted a homegrown version of a fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus that first surfaced in Britain — but now combined with a mutation that may make the variant less susceptible to vaccines. The researchers have so far found just a single case of this formidable combination, but genetic analysis suggested that the variant had been acquired in the community and did not arise in the patient. (Mandavilli, 3/5) In related news — CNN: Spring Break Could Be A Perfect Storm For Spreading Coronavirus Variants. Don't Let That Happen
Highly contagious variants will soon have a ridiculously easy chance to spread rapidly across the US. Spring break starts for hundreds of universities this month. And typical spring break revelry could lead to countless more Americans getting infected as coronavirus variants threaten to outpace vaccinations. "It's the perfect storm," said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. (Yan, 3/6) AP: Daytona Motorcycle Rally Goes On Despite Pandemic
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Daytona Beach's annual Bike Week has brought tens of thousands of motorcyclists to the city and its neighbors this weekend — and few of them are wearing masks. The city made a bargain with its bars — 60% capacity indoors in return for the permits necessary for temporary outdoor sales and entertainment. The city is trying to avoid what happened at the Sturgis, South Dakota, motorcycle rally in August — that event led to a disputed number of infections around the country, ranging from several hundred to tens or hundreds of thousands. (3/6) CIDRAP: Americans' COVID-19 Optimism Grows, But CDC Head More Wary
Six out of 10 Americans say the pandemic is improving, according to the latest Gallup poll, which represents the most optimistic portrait of American's attitude surrounding COVID-19 in the past year. Twenty-six percent of those polled say the pandemic is staying the same, and 14% believe it is getting worse. (Soucheray, 3/5) Stat: A Pandemic Expert Weighs In On The Long Road Ahead For Covid Vaccines
Though nearly 300 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered around the globe so far, the world still has a long way to go before we can think about declaring the pandemic over. Vaccine distribution remains wildly inequitable, with wealthy countries vaccinating at far higher rates than low- and middle-income countries. (Branswell, 3/8) California Tells Amusement Parks And Ballparks That They Can Open April 1 Outdoor venues for live music performances and sporting events as well as theme parks like Disneyland and Universal may resume operations with limited capacity, California announced. Orange County Register: Disneyland, Universal And Other California Theme Parks Can Reopen April 1
California theme parks can reopen April 1 under updated guidelines from the state's health department following a year of coronavirus closures that cost the parks billions and forced them to shed tens of thousands of jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new California theme park guidelines and opening date are part of a "refresh" of Gov. Gavin Newsom's four-tier Blueprint for a Safer Economy. California theme parks have been closed since March 2020 under COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines issued by the state. Many parks have partially reopened for special events and food festivals without rides. (MacDonald, 3/5) CNN: Disneyland And Other California Amusement Parks Can Reopen April 1
Disneyland Resort in Southern California will be allowed to reopen with capacity limits starting April 1, state Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly announced Friday. ... "We feel like now is the appropriate time to begin to reintroduce these activities in some fashion, and in a guarded way, in a slow and steady way," Ghaly said in a teleconference. ... There will be a time limit on indoor rides, though most are fairly short and already socially distanced. Thrill-seekers will be generally required to queue up outside and enter in groups. (Mossburg, 3/7) AP: California OKs Reopening Of Ball Parks, Disneyland
California has cleared a path for fans to hit the stands at opening-day baseball games and return to Disneyland nearly a year after coronavirus restrictions shuttered major entertainment spots. The state on Friday relaxed guidelines for reopening outdoor venues as a fall and winter surge seemed to be ending, with COVID-19 infection rates, hospitalizations and deaths plummeting and vaccination rates rising. (Beam and Ronayne, 3/6) NPR: California Set To Open Ballparks, Arenas And Theme Parks In April
The state of California updated its plans Friday to allow outdoor events at stadiums, ballparks and theme parks to begin to reopen April 1. Sports facilities and amusement parks will reopen at reduced capacity, contingent on county-level infection rates. The California Department of Public Health released its Blueprint for a Safer Economy guidelines last August, which has dictated the opening and closing of businesses at the county level ever since. For counties in the state's most restrictive Purple Tier, outdoor sports and live performances will be limited to 100 people or less and attendees must live in the region. Reservations will be required and concessions sales won't be available, a CDPH statement said. Attendance is capped at 20% in the Red Tier and 33% in the Orange, both of which can welcome in-state visitors. (Jones, 3/5) CDC Says Mask Mandates Drove Declines In Covid Cases, Deaths A study by the CDC has linked mask mandates and less in-restaurant dining with declining covid infections and deaths. Meanwhile, several governors defend lifting their states' mandates and some protestors burn their masks. CNBC: CDC Study Finds Easing Mask Mandates Led To Higher Covid Cases And Deaths
Easing mask mandates and reopening restaurants have led to a rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths, according to a new study by the CDC that comes as the agency urges states not to aggressively lift health restrictions. According to the study, which examined county data between last March and December, mask mandates implemented by local governments were able to slow the spread of the virus starting about 20 days after their implementation. (Higgins-Dunn, 3/5) Fox News: Coronavirus Mask Mandates Linked To Decline In Cases, Deaths: CDC Report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a report Friday reiterated messaging that mask mandates and limiting on-premises dining can reduce coronavirus spread. During a White House briefing Friday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the report serves as a warning against lifting the measures too early. The health agency examined county-level data on coronavirus cases and deaths from March to December 2020, in accordance with fluctuations in mask mandates and business restrictions. The CDC noted about 74% of 3,142 U.S. counties had mask mandates during the time under study, and 98% of counties saw reopenings for on-premises dining. (Rivas, 3/6) In related news about masks and covid restrictions — CNN: Governors Defend Easing Statewide Covid Restrictions As Health Officials Warn Americans To Stay Vigilant
A number of governors on Sunday defended easing Covid-19 restrictions in their states against top health officials' warnings that Americans should remain vigilant against highly transmissible variants and that the US could see another spike in cases. In some of the more extreme rollbacks, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, lifted mask mandates and allowed businesses to operate at full capacity in their states -- stances President Joe Biden blasted as "neanderthal thinking." (Duster, 3/7) Axios: Mississippi Gov. Defends Lifting Mask Mandate: "We Have To Get Our Economy Rolling"
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) defended his decision to revoke the state's mask mandate on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday, describing the move as backed by data and a necessary step to boost the state's economy. Although hospitalizations have dropped, Mississippi had the largest increase in the average of new coronavirus cases over a seven-day period in the country as of March 2, according to Axios' weekly tracker. (Rummier, 3/7) Axios: West Virginia Lifts COVID Capacity Limits On Restaurants, Many Businesses
Bars, restaurants and many other businesses in West Virginia can return to 100% capacity if social distancing can be maintained, Gov. Jim Justice (R) said Friday. Justice is the latest governor to lift statewide coronavirus restrictions, despite warnings from health officials. (Chen, 3/5) The Washington Post: Anti-Maskers Encouraged Kids To Burn Their Face Coverings On The Capitol Steps In Idaho
Cheering parents watched as children tossed surgical masks into a fire outside the Idaho Capitol in Boise on Saturday as more than 100 people gathered to protest mask mandates as an affront to their civil liberties. The rally was one of several held statewide in opposition to the coronavirus-related requirements, which health experts have said remain crucial even as vaccines are distributed and the number of new reported cases has dropped. (Bellware, 3/7) Also — Politico: Ohio Governor Defends Continuing Mask Mandate
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Sunday defended continuing his state's mask requirements in the wake of such mandates being eliminated in Texas and Mississippi. Speaking to Martha Raddatz on ABC's "This Week," he said, "You know with the vaccine, we're now on the offense, that's the great thing. But in Ohio, we can't give up the defense. We have found that these masks work exceedingly well." (Cohen, 3/7) Houston Chronicle: Houston Mayor, Lawmakers Slam Troubled Concrete Cowboy For Planning 'Mask Off' Gathering
With just a few days to go until the lifting of state-mandated occupancy and mask requirements, Houston officials urged area businesses on Sunday not to follow in the footsteps of a Washington Avenue club planning a maskless party to celebrate the end of restrictions. State Rep. Ann Johnson slammed the owners of Concrete Cowboy for planning an event Wednesday to mark the end of COVID-19 protective measures, including restrictions on the number of customers and required masks when not dining. (Hensley, 3/7) FDA OKs New Test That Identifies Signs Of Past Covid Infection Adaptive Biotechnologies' test is the first of its kind to receive emergency authorization from the FDA. The agency also approved another over-the-counter test from Cue Health. Stat: FDA Authorizes New Test To Detect Past Covid-19 Infections
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency authorization for a new test to detect Covid-19 infections — one that stands apart from the hundreds already authorized. Unlike tests that detect bits of SARS-CoV-2 or antibodies to it, the new test, called T-Detect COVID, looks for signals of past infections in the body's adaptive immune system — in particular, the T cells that help the body remember what its viral enemies look like. Developed by Seattle-based Adaptive Biotechnologies, it is the first test of its kind. (Palmer, 3/5) Axios: FDA Authorizes Over-The-Counter Coronavirus Test
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 test for home and other over-the-counter uses. The single-use test, developed by Cue Health, may increase the availability of reliable coronavirus tests in the United States, potentially allowing Americans to avoid trips to the doctor's office or a testing site. (Knutson, 3/5) In other testing news — Politico: Biden Team Plots The Country's First National Covid Testing Strategy
The Biden administration is preparing to launch the first of several Covid-19 testing hubs to coordinate and oversee a $650 million expansion of testing in K-8 schools and congregate settings like homeless shelters. The Department of Health and Human Services hopes to open the first hub in April, as part of a public-private partnership that could eventually add up to 25 million tests per month to the nation's testing totals, two sources briefed on the plans told POLITICO. Administration officials discussed details of the program on Tuesday during a call with industry, government agencies and state and local health departments. They held a second industry call on Thursday. (Lim, 3/7) Axios: A Worrying Decline In COVID Testing
Daily COVID-19 tests in the U.S. have declined by more than a quarter since mid-January. Even with cases and deaths falling dramatically in recent weeks, the pandemic is far from finished, and less demand for testing could put us a step behind the spread. (Walsh, 3/6) And in Japan, you can grab a test on the run — Reuters: In Japan, Vending Machines Help Ease Access To COVID-19 Tests
In Japan, convenience is king and getting tested for COVID-19 can be highly inconvenient. Part of solution, as it is for a range of daily necessities in Tokyo, has become the humble vending machine. Eager to conserve manpower and hospital resources, the government conducts just 40,000 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests a day, a quarter of its capacity, restricting them to people who are quite symptomatic or have had a high chance of being infected. That's led to the public to rely heavily on private clinics or buying PCR tests by other means. (Sakai and Swift, 3/8) Fauci Says Surge In Covid Vaccine Supplies Is Imminent Dr. Anthony Fauci suggests that when more vaccine doses become available that high school children will be a priority. In other news, Pfizer's CEO talks about covid vaccine pricing. The Hill: Fauci Predicts High Schoolers Will Receive Coronavirus Vaccinations This Fall
Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, predicted on Sunday that high school students across the country will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the early fall of this year. "The tests are being done to determine both safety and comparable immunogenicity in high school students. We predict that high school students will very likely be able to be vaccinated by the fall term," Fauci told CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday. "Maybe not the very first day, but certainly the early part of the fall for that fall educational term," Fauci continued. (Pitofsky, 3/7) CBS News: Fauci Says Vaccine Supply Will Be "Dramatically Increased" In Weeks Ahead
Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, said Sunday that the number of vaccine doses available will sharply rise in the coming weeks following federal approval of a third coronavirus vaccine. "We need to gradually pull back [on restrictions] as we get more people vaccinated, and that is happening every single day, more and more people, and particularly as we get more doses, which are going to be dramatically increased as we get into April and May," Fauci said on "Face the Nation" of scaling back mitigation measures. (Quinn, 3/7) Stat: Will The U.S. Have Covid Vaccine Doses For Everyone By The End Of May?
President Biden confidently declared last week that there would be enough Covid-19 vaccine delivered to the U.S. government by the end of May to vaccinate every American. But predictions about vaccine availability have repeatedly been proven wrong. How confident should Americans be this time? The short answer: somewhat. (Herper, 3/8) KHN: Biden's Criticism Of Trump Team's Vaccine Contracts Is A Stretch
During a March 2 news conference on the covid-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden claimed that former President Donald Trump's administration did not ensure there would be enough vaccines for the American public. "When I came into office, the prior administration had contracted for not nearly enough vaccine to cover adults in America," said Biden. "We rectified that." (Knight, 3/8) In other news about vaccine supply and development — Axios: Pfizer CEO: "It Will Be Terrible" If COVID Vaccine Prices Limit Access
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told "Axios on HBO" that it "will be terrible for society" if the price of coronavirus vaccines ever prohibits some people from taking them. Widespread uptake of the vaccine — which might require annual booster shots — will reduce the risk of the virus continuing to spread and mutate, but it's unclear who will pay for future shots or how much they'll cost. (Owens, 3/7) Axios: Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla Has Taken The Coronavirus Vaccine
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla tells "Axios on HBO" that he recently received his first of two doses of the company's coronavirus vaccine. Bourla told CNBC in December that company polling found that one of the most effective ways to increase confidence in the vaccine was to have the CEO take it. (Owens, 3/7) KHN: Journalists Dissect Covid Vaccines And Variants
KHN correspondent Rachana Pradhan discussed vaccine production and supply chains on KERA's "Think" with host Krys Boyd, C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" and PBS' "NewsHour Weekend." She also joined Newsy to discuss how federal rules restrict patients and their doctors from knowing whether someone has been infected by a covid-19 variant. (3/6) More Mass Sites Opening Shakes Up Vaccination Process Such vaccination sites in Florida, Indiana and Georgia are in the news. And Axios looks at the failures of online registration websites. The New York Times: A FEMA Site In Florida Gave Some Unused Shots To Young People. Before Long, It Was Mobbed.
Few eligible people were trickling in to a remote Federal Emergency Management vaccination site in South Florida on Saturday. So when some younger people without proof of eligibility showed up, workers at the site went ahead and gave them shots, thinking there was no danger of running out for the day. Word quickly spread around town: The site in Florida City, just north of the Florida Keys, was vaccinating any state resident 18 or older. Get down there fast. (3/7) AP: Indiana Health Officials Tout 8,200 Vaccinations At Speedway
More than 8,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the first two days of a vaccination clinic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, state health officials announced Sunday. The state's first mass vaccination clinic runs four days through Monday and all appointments have been booked. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb received a shot at the site on Friday. (3/7) Gwinnett Daily Post: Temporary COVID-19 Vaccine Site To Open In Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Federal officials are planning to open a temporary mass COVID-19 vaccination site at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, adding to several other large vaccine sites scattered across Georgia. The Atlanta vaccine site inside the stadium is expected open in the next two weeks and should be able to administer about 6,000 shots a day, or 42,000 per week, according to a news release from President Joe Biden's administration. It will be open for eight weeks, marking a test run for mass vaccine sites overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in vulnerable communities hit hard by the pandemic. (Evans, 3/5) Axios: Why It's So Hard To Sign Up For Vaccinations Online
The verdict from Americans trying to get the COVID vaccine is in: the sign-up websites are awful. Appointment systems are a vital part of getting Americans vaccinated, but a series of missed opportunities, at every level, left local governments scrambling. And the frustrating, confusing process now carries the risk that some people will simply give up. (Harding McGill and Hart, 3/8) Also — AP: Michigan Makes Homeless People Vaccine-Eligible
People who are homeless will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan starting Monday. Health officials say it's a critical step in curbing infections and making sure vulnerable populations have access. "Our vulnerable populations are high priority for us right now," Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail said, according to the Lansing State Journal. "This opens the door to make sure that population is also vaccinated and we don't continue to have outbreaks in shelters." (3/7) Oklahoman: Oklahoma Expands COVID Vaccine Eligibility To Nearly 40,000 More Residents
Beginning Monday, roughly 40,000 more Oklahomans will be eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine. The state will expand eligibility to the last groups in Phase 2 of its distribution plan, including staff and residents in congregate locations and worksites. Those locations include homeless shelters, prisons and jails, some manufacturing facilities without appropriate space for social distancing, and public transit systems. Front-line public health staff as well as senior state, city and county government leaders and elected officials will also be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday. (Branham, 3/6) In updates about vulnerable groups — Bay Area News Group: Hard-Hit Bay Area Zip Codes Left Out Of State's Vaccine Rollout Scheme
Many of the Bay Area's hardest-hit neighborhoods have been left out of the state's new equity-focused vaccine distribution scheme, frustrating local officials and community clinics racing to vaccinate the region's most vulnerable populations. California's list of more than 400 priority ZIP codes — for which the state will reserve about 40% of vaccine supplies — encompasses several lower-income neighborhoods such as Oakland's Fruitvale, North Richmond and San Francisco's Tenderloin district. But notably absent are other areas where residents have contracted and died from COVID-19 at high rates, such as East San Jose, East Palo Alto, Hayward, San Rafael and Concord. (Kelliher, 3/5) Roll Call: Vulnerable Groups Still Falling Behind In Vaccination Effort
The Biden administration has argued it can distribute the coronavirus vaccine both quickly and equitably, but federal data shows little progress in getting doses to minority communities as states prioritize getting shots into as many arms as quickly as possible. (Macagnone, 3/5) Bloomberg: One U.S. State's Laser Focus On Data Helps Shrink Racial Vaccine Gap
North Carolina is among the best-performing U.S. states when it comes to distributing vaccines evenly among Black and White residents. That's partly because the state is by far the best at collecting demographic data. About 11% of North Carolina's Black population has received at least one shot, compared with 17% of the state's White residents, the Bloomberg Vaccine Tracker shows. That puts North Carolina in fourth place for the smallest spread between the two groups among states with the most comprehensive data sets. Other states might be doing as well or better than North Carolina in terms of equality, though huge numbers of incomplete records obscure the national picture. (LaVito, 3/6) Employers Navigate Tricky Issues Around Inoculating Workers Large businesses are joining the hunt for scarce supplies to vaccinate their workforce. And public views on employers mandating the shot have also shifted. The Wall Street Journal: Having Trouble Getting The Covid Vaccine? Your Company Might Soon Offer It.
Large employers, from the meatpacking industry to airlines and pharmaceutical companies, are getting permission from public-health officials to administer Covid-19 vaccines, hoping to speed up inoculations of their employees. Many businesses see giving vaccine doses to employees at work as a way to efficiently vaccinate staff but, in doing so, are joining a race for scarce shots. (Krouse, 3/7) Las Vegas Review-Journal: Most Nevadans OK With Workplaces Requiring Vaccines, Poll Shows
A majority of Nevadans believe businesses should be allowed to mandate COVID-19 vaccines among staff, according to a new poll from the Review-Journal. Such requirements are viewed as a way to improve workplace safety but could spur lawsuits from workers who can't or won't get inoculated. "Having an employer involved in the health matters of an employee creates a very challenging position from the employer's standpoint and can give rise to discrimination claims," local business attorney Aviva Gordon told the Review-Journal. (Schulz, 3/5) The Baltimore Sun: Goucher Poll: 64% Of Marylanders Plan To Get Coronavirus Vaccine Or Already Have
Nearly two-thirds of Marylanders surveyed in a recent Goucher College poll — 64% — plan to get a coronavirus vaccine as soon as they can, or have already received at least one dose. An additional 15% said they plan to wait to see how the vaccines are working, and 18% said they would get vaccinated only if required or will "definitely not" get a vaccine. (Condon, 3/8) Axios: Getting Vaccinated After Losing A Family Member To COVID
When Tampa's Barbara Thomas signed up to get her COVID-19 vaccine, she didn't think she'd be getting the shot six days after the virus killed her husband, Larry. Her story is similarly playing out for hundreds of thousands of families nationwide who can never truly have a return to normal without those lost during the pandemic. (San Felice, 3/8) Axios: COVID Vaccine Selfies Provide Needed Dose Of Hope
People are lighting up social media with COVID-19 vaccination selfies. After a long, hard year with COVID-19, vaccine selfies offer a much-needed dose of hope — and act as an advertisement for those on the fence about getting vaccinated. (Walsh, 3/6) KHN: On Vacci-Dating: Singles Seem Enamored Of Sharing Vaccination Status Online. Is That Wise?
As cold weather descended upon Washington, D.C., last fall, I deleted my dating apps. I had tried a few video-chat dates when the pandemic was new last spring. They were fun and novel at the time, and felt like a "quarantine experience." By summer, I went on several physically distant dates in the park. But once the temperature started dropping, meeting outside lost its appeal. First dates are awkward enough without shivering as your breath freezes to your mask, all while trying to uncover the title of someone's favorite book. So I bailed. (Knight, 3/8) Early Success Of Pill That Fights Covid Sparks Excitement A new antiviral drug called molnupiravir has shown great success in treating covid patients, researchers say. Other scientists continue to investigate the virus, its symptoms and side effects, including loss of smell. The Wall Street Journal: Covid-19 Pill Shows Promise In Preliminary Testing
An experimental Covid-19 drug that promises to be a kind of Tamiflu for the pandemic had positive results in a preliminary study, one of the drug's developers said. The pill, which is being developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP and Merck & Co., significantly reduced infectious virus in subjects in a mid-stage study after five days of treatment, Ridgeback is reporting at a virtual meeting of infectious-disease scientists Saturday. ... The experimental drug, named molnupiravir, could fill an important role by also helping people who are sick but still at home, serving the same kind of role performed by Tamiflu for the flu, some infectious-disease experts say. (McKay, 3/6) Fox News: COVID-19 Pill Effective In Preliminary Testing May Be 'Holy Grail' Of Pandemic, Dr. Marc Siegel Says
A new possible medication to treat coronavirus-positive patients could be enough to turn the pandemic on its head, Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel revealed Sunday on "Fox & Friends Weekend." First-stage testing of the experimental COVID-19 pill called Molnupiravir, by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, showed promising signs of effectiveness in reducing the virus in patients. "It may be the holy grail on this because it was just studied in phase two trials and it literally stopped the virus in its tracks," he explained. "And there wasn't any virus found in the patients that were studied." (Stabile, 3/7) Also — CIDRAP: Nearly A Quarter Of Kids With COVID Or MIS-C Had Neurologic Involvement
Among US children and teens hospitalized with COVID-19 or its related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), 22% had neurologic conditions, most of them transient but 12% of them life-threatening or fatal, according to a study today in JAMA Neurology. A team led by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital studied 1,695 patients with COVID-19 younger than 21 years admitted to 61 hospitals, 616 (36%) of whom also had MIS-C, from Mar 15 to Dec 15, 2020. Neurologic involvement was identified in 365 (22%) of patients from 52 hospitals. (3/5) Stat: CytoDyn's Data-Mining Of Study Ends In Failure For Its Covid Treatment
Results from a late-stage clinical trial released late Friday by the drug maker CytoDyn showed its experimental antibody leronlimab failed to improve the survival of patients hospitalized with severe, life-threatening cases of Covid-19. Instead of acknowledging the negative outcome of the Phase 3 clinical trial, however, CytoDyn issued two statements over the weekend claiming results spun from a small slice of patients were positive and warranted approval as a treatment for Covid-19. (Feuerstein, 3/7) Axios: COVID-19 Drives Smell Loss Awareness, Research
The pandemic has thrust a relatively unknown ailment, anosmia — or smell loss — into the international spotlight. Researchers hope smell testing becomes as standard as the annual flu shot, helping to detect early signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. (Malcolm, 3/6) Axios: Why We Need To Know COVID's Origins
Geopolitical tensions are foiling efforts to get to the bottom of how COVID-19 originated. Insights into how COVID-19 began can help us prevent future pandemics — especially if it involved any kind of leak or accident at a virology lab. (Walsh, 3/6) Panel Recommends Changes For Medicare Advantage Payments Other industry news is on health care hiring, data privacy, Time's Up Healthcare and Watson Health. Modern Healthcare: MedPAC Likely To Recommend An Effective Cut In Medicare Advantage Spending
A congressional advisory panel will likely recommend a new benchmark policy for Medicare Advantage at its April meeting. According to a presentation during a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission meeting on Thursday, the changes would adjust how CMS ties Medicare Advantage payments to fee-for-service spending, increase the rebate to at least 75% and adopt a discount rate of at least 2%. The draft recommendation would also apply earlier benchmark-related recommendations by the commission, like using geographic markets as payment areas and ending the pre-ACA cap on benchmarks. "Plan rates are going to get cut," said Pat Wang, a MedPAC commissioner and CEO of insurer Healthfirst. (Brady, 3/5) Modern Healthcare: Insurers Want To Grow Medicare Advantage, Medicaid Managed Care
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak economic havoc, an increasing number of states are contracting with Medicaid managed-care companies. The operating theory is that privatizing services for the lowest-income population will add more predictability to state budgets and lower overall healthcare costs. But those considerations come at a risk, providers say, fearing that the trend will lead to lower reimbursement rates and higher administrative costs. (Tepper, 3/6) In other health care industry news — Modern Healthcare: Hospital, Nursing Home Losses Dampen February's Healthcare Hiring
Healthcare hiring was anemic in February, which was still welcome news after January's job losses. Preliminary federal jobs data released Friday show the healthcare industry added 19,900 jobs last month. While a smaller gain than other months in the industry's recovery from the COVID-19 fallout, February's modest hiring represents a rebound from January, in which the industry shed 84,700 jobs. While a noteworthy drop, that's still a far cry from the 1.4 million jobs the industry lost in April 2020, the month that contained the majority of healthcare's pandemic-related job losses. (Bannow, 3/5) Stat: As Virtual Care Booms, Experts Call For New Health Data Privacy Protections
A drop in your daily step count. A missed period. A loss of hearing. If it's collected by a smartwatch or wearable, that health data isn't protected the same way your medical records are. And as wearables like smartwatches and headphones sweep up an increasing amount of health data — flagging potential medical issues that could be used for ad targeting or to discriminate against someone — some lawmakers and researchers are calling for a reconsideration of the current approach. (Brodwin, 3/8) Stat: Multiple Founders Of Time's Up Healthcare Resign
At least four founding members of Time's Up Healthcare resigned Thursday from the organization following a lawsuit that suggests two other founders did not respond appropriately to reports of sexual harassment and assault in their separate jobs at Oregon Health and Science University. Both Esther Choo and Laura Stadum are mentioned in a legal complaint filed in February in an Oregon federal court by an anonymous employee of the Veterans Affairs hospital, in which the employee alleges that a resident who is well-known on Twitter and TikTok harassed her, sending her "sexually-charged social media messages" and once pushed his erect penis against her body. (Sheridan, 3/5) Stat: How IBM's Audacious Plan To 'Change The Face Of Health Care' Fell Apart
It was a summer day in 2018, and the outlook could hardly have seemed more bleak for Watson Health, IBM's self-described "moonshot" to revolutionize medicine with artificial intelligence. The operation was reeling from layoffs and sharply critical media reports, and several of its product lines had failed to meet revenue targets. But Lisa Rometty, a vice president of the business, painted an entirely different picture at a global meeting of hundreds of employees by video conference. (Ross and Aguilar, 3/8) White House Takes Aim At Chemical Toxins In Baby Food The FDA under the Biden administration is beginning a push to lower levels of toxins like lead and cadmium in baby food, and will boost testing and inspections of manufacturers. Politico: Biden's FDA Looks To Tackle Heavy Metals In Baby Food
The Biden administration said Friday it plans to clamp down on toxic heavy metals commonly found in baby food. The move comes after a House Oversight subcommittee last month released a report finding that major baby food companies sold products that their own internal testing showed contained arsenic, lead and cadmium at levels far higher than what most health experts consider safe for infants. The findings panicked parents already under considerable stress during the pandemic. (Evich, 3/5) CNN: 'Consider Chemical Hazards' In The Baby Foods You Sell, FDA Warns Manufacturers
All baby food manufacturers must consider toxic chemicals when they test their baby food for potential hazards, the US Food and Drug Administration said Friday. "We appreciate your attention to your obligation to consider potential chemical hazards, including toxic elements, when conducting a hazard analysis," wrote Susan Mayne, director of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, and Dr. Janet Woodcock, the FDA's acting commissioner of food and drugs, in a letter addressed to all baby and toddler food manufacturers and processors. (LaMotte, 3/5) The Washington Post: Biden's FDA Takes Baby Steps Toward Limiting Toxic Heavy Metals In Commercial Baby Foods
The FDA statement also said the agency will increase inspections and testing of baby and toddler foods for heavy metals and make public the results. It will support research that identifies "additional steps that industry can take to further reduce levels," the agency said in a statement. The guidance marks a first step toward expanding FDA oversight over commercial baby food. (Reiley, 3/5) In other news about the FDA — CIDRAP: GAO Spotlights FDA's COVID-Related Drug Inspection Backlog
In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was unable to complete more than 1,000 of its drug inspections, putting the quality of drugs sold on the US market at risk, according to a US Government Accountability Office (GAO) testimony report to a House subcommittee yesterday. Concerns over this backlog have been raised by industry stakeholders as the pandemic has continued, and in GAO's testimony to the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies, it underscores its inspection-related recommendations from January while adding further insights into inspection trends and potential barriers. (McLernon, 3/5) Fever Scanner Used In Some NFL Stadiums Pulled Off The Market The company that makes the scanning system, Certify Global, received a warning from the FDA on Thursday saying it had not been authorized to sell the device for scanning multiple people at a time. The FDA said misuse could lead an infected person to be incorrectly assessed as healthy. The Washington Post: Maryland Company 'Retires' A Fever Scanner After FDA Warning
The maker of a fever-scanning system used in a dozen NFL stadiums across the United States said Friday it is pulling one of its other devices off the market after the Food and Drug Administration warned that the company had not been approved to market the device to scan multiple people at once. The company, Certify Global, was among seven manufacturers whose products were tested in research first reported Thursday by The Washington Post. The research found critical flaws in thermal-imaging systems' ability to accurately detect people's skin temperature. Companies have advertised the systems as a powerful first line of defense in screening people for covid infections. (Harwell, 3/5) In other public health news — Bloomberg: USDA Watchdog Probes Covid Safety Measures For Meat Inspectors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's inspector general has launched an investigation into the agency's handling of Covid-19 outbreaks at meat processing plants, including whether officials took adequate steps to protect federal inspectors working in the facilities. Meat and poultry slaughterhouses were early epicenters in the pandemic and the department's press to keep inspectors working in the plants quickly provoked complaints from the union representing them that the USDA wasn't providing adequate safety protections. At least four meat inspectors had died of Covid by May. (Dorning and Hirtzer, 3/5) NBC News: Google Advised Mental Health Care When Workers Complained About Racism And Sexism
Benjamin Cruz, a former instructional designer in Google's Cloud division, was caught off guard when a colleague told them that their skin was much darker than she expected. Cruz, who is Mexican American and prefers to be identified by the pronouns they/them, reported the incident to human resources in 2019 where personnel told them they should "assume good intent," Cruz recalled in an interview. Unsatisfied, Cruz asked human resources to look deeper into the incident, and an HR official said an investigation into the matter had been closed, Cruz said. So, Cruz sought help from human resources again. The solution? Urge Cruz to take medical leave and tend to their mental health before moving to a new role in the company. (Glaser and Adams, 3/7) Axios: Cities' Pandemic Struggle To Balance Homelessness And Public Safety
Addressing homelessness has taken on new urgency in cities across the country over the past year, as officials grapple with a growing unhoused population and the need to preserve public safety during the coronavirus pandemic. It's led to tension when cities move in to clear encampments — often for health and safety reasons — causing some to rethink the role of law enforcement when interacting with people experiencing homelessness. (3/7) North Carolina Health News: Industry Lobbying Left Nursing Homes Vulnerable
Even before COVID-19, aides caring for elderly and disabled people in nursing homes often were overworked and underpaid, doing everything from changing linens to helping residents eat to physically rotating them to prevent bed sores. Ashley Ford often was one of four aides for as many as 42 residents at the Indiana nursing home where she's worked since early 2019. She sometimes skipped breaks when work got busy so she wouldn't leave patients waiting. (Madden, Waddell and Xu, 3/7) KHN: Push Is On For States To Ban Organ Transplant Discrimination
Griffin Dalrymple is an energetic 7-year-old who loves going to school in Eureka, Montana. But two years ago, the boy described by his mother, Jayci, as a "ball of fire" was suddenly knocked back by severe bacterial pneumonia that hospitalized him for two weeks. As her son lay in the intensive care unit with a tube in his tiny lungs, Jayci began imagining worst-case scenarios. She worried that if Griffin ended up needing a lung transplant, he might be refused because he has Down syndrome. (Reardon, 3/8) And because you didn't have enough to worry about already — USA Today: Zombie Apocalypse: CDC Offers Useful Advice For Any Emergency
If zombies were to start roaming the streets – yes, we said zombies – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants you to be prepared. In the midst of providing guidelines on an unprecedented pandemic, the Center for Disease Control updated its tips to prepare for another extreme occurrence: A zombie apocalypse. While the CDC says it began as a "tongue-in-cheek campaign," it actually is a practical guide for any emergency, like hurricanes, earthquakes or floods. "You may laugh now, but when it happens you'll be happy you read this," the CDC wrote on its website. "And hey, maybe you'll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for a real emergency." So, what would happen if zombies were to start roaming the streets? (Iyer, 3/5) New York Gov. Cuomo Loses Some Of His Covid-Fighting Powers Elsewhere, all of Oregon's K-12 public schools will open in April; Arkansas boosts covid patient rights; and California finds success in vaccinating prisoners. CNBC: Cuomo Dismisses Calls For Resignation As 'Anti-Democratic' But Will Sign Law Stripping His Emergency Covid Powers
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo dismissed calls Sunday for his resignation in the wake of new allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct, but will sign a bill stripping his emergency powers to fight the Covid-19 pandemic as he faces growing political pressure from his own party. The Democratic governor, grappling with waves of criticism and calls for his resignation over dueling crises in his administration, also vowed he was "not going to be distracted" in the fight against Covid. (Breuninger, 3/7) In other covid updates from the states — Axios: Oregon Governor Orders All Public Schools To Reopen By Mid-April
All public K-12 schools in Oregon must offer in-person instruction by mid-April, Gov. Kate Brown (D) said Friday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last month that K-12 schools could safely resume for in-person instruction and remain open if mitigation strategies are strictly adhered to and community transmission of the coronavirus remains low. (Gottbrath, 3/5) Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Patient-Rights Bill Advancing On To Senate
A bill to guarantee visits to lonely, pandemic-restricted patients has prompted more calls of support from constituents than any other, a Northwest Arkansas lawmaker said. Precautions against the yearlong covid-19 outbreak often keep family members from visiting patients in hospitals and nursing homes, said Rep. Gayla McKenzie, R-Gravette. "I've had phone calls from constituents about this where we're both crying by the end," she said. McKenzie co-sponsors House Bill 1061. The bill would guarantee limited visitation while also requiring precautions to prevent the spread of disease. The bill passed the House 91 to 0 Tuesday and is now before the Senate. (Thompson, 3/8) CNN: NYC Deputies Shut Down An Unlicensed Warehouse Club With More Than 100 Partygoers Inside
New York City deputies shut down an illegal warehouse party in Queens overnight Saturday, clearing more than 100 people inside, the New York City Sheriff's Office says. The officers entered the building early Sunday morning where they found 142 patrons dancing and drinking alcohol without masks or social distancing, according to the release. (Law and Cullinane, 3/7) Los Angeles Times: California COVID Paid Sick Leave Doesn't Sync With CDC Rules
Federal and state measures that required most businesses to offer two weeks of paid leave to recover from the coronavirus, or to quarantine in case of exposure, expired Jan. 1. Golden State employees have since been left with three days of mandated sick leave for any illness, the state minimum, although employers may choose to give more. With the virus continuing to infect thousands of Californians every week and dangerous variants spreading, the Legislature is set to vote in the coming weeks on whether to reinstate the two-week obligation. That follows weeks of debate in Sacramento that has drawn worker advocates and business groups into unusually broad coalitions, for and against. (Roosevelt, 3/7) Bay Area News Group: After Rampant COVID Cases And Mass Vaccines, Is California's Prison System Nearing 'Herd Immunity'?
A precipitous decline of coronavirus cases in state prisons has transformed California's correctional system from a cautionary tale of mass incarceration in the time of a plague to something more unexpected: an intensely monitored field study that could help scientists develop strategies to defeat the pandemic outside prison walls. Highly effective vaccines distributed in the prisons combined with the lack of reinfections among inmates and staff previously diagnosed with COVID-19 appear to have quelled the explosive viral outbreaks that have rocked state prisons during the past year. Active cases have dipped so low that some researchers are theorizing that California's state prison populations, which suffered spectacularly high coronavirus infection rates through January and were among the first targets for ongoing mass vaccination campaigns, are manifesting collective resistance to the virus. (Moore, 3/7) In other news — Georgia Health News: Thousands Of Georgians Enrolling For Coverage As Exchange Reopens
More than 16,000 Georgians signed up for coverage on the state's insurance exchange during the first two weeks of a special enrollment period ordered by President Biden. That's the third-highest total of any state, behind Florida and Texas, among the 36 states that let the federal government run their exchanges. (The other states run their own exchanges.) (Miller, 3/5) Albuquerque Journal: Medical Malpractice Overhaul Advances In Senate
A proposal to remove hospitals from the state's Medical Malpractice Act — exposing them to greater damage awards in court — narrowly survived a tense, tearful committee hearing Saturday. The legislation, House Bill 75, now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where a competing measure backed by the New Mexico Hospital Association and doctor and nursing groups is also pending. The bill debated Saturday advanced on a 6-5 vote after family members testified about the anguish of seeing a child or parent harmed by hospital wrongdoing. "This is about the death and loss of loved ones, not by mistakes, but by gross negligence," said Ezra Spitzer, whose daughter Effie died a few days after birth. "The current system has no accountability." (McKay, 3/6) AP: 3 Dead, Several Sickened In Suspected Kentucky Overdoses
Police in a southeastern Kentucky community are working with a federal drug enforcement agency to identify the source of suspected overdoses that resulted in three deaths and sickened several other people, including two officers. ... [The Hazard Police Department] urged residents to use caution if they see any substance that is not easily recognizable. "Whatever this is, it is deadly," the statement said. Two Hazard police officers became ill while processing the suspected substance. (3/7) U.S. Says Russia Peddled Lies About Western Covid Vaccines The EU is warning some of its member states to be wary of Russia's Sputnik covid vaccine, and U.S. officials warn Russia has been sharing disinformation about Western versions, as vaccination efforts step up across the globe. The Wall Street Journal: Russian Disinformation Campaign Aims To Undermine Confidence In Pfizer, Other Covid-19 Vaccines, U.S. Officials Say
Russian intelligence agencies have mounted a campaign to undermine confidence in Pfizer Inc.'s and other Western vaccines, using online publications that in recent months have questioned the vaccines' development and safety, U.S. officials said. An official with the State Department's Global Engagement Center, which monitors foreign disinformation efforts, identified four publications that he said have served as fronts for Russian intelligence. The websites played up the vaccines' risk of side effects, questioned their efficacy, and said the U.S. had rushed the Pfizer vaccine through the approval process, among other false or misleading claims. (Gordon and Volz, 3/7) The Washington Post: E.U. Medical Official Urges Caution Over Some States' Preliminary Approval Of Russia'S Sputnik V
A top medical official with the European Union cautioned against some member states' approval of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine ahead of the bloc's own official review process. Christa Wirthumer-Hoche, head of the European Medicines Agency's managing board, told Austrian television that the review of the vaccine began March 4 and data packages were arriving from the manufacturer. With vaccines in short supply across the continent, however, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have moved to approve it unilaterally. (Noack and Schemm, 3/8) AP: Russia Scores Points With Vaccine Diplomacy, But Snags Arise
Russia's boast in August that it was the first country to authorize a coronavirus vaccine led to skepticism at the time because of its insufficient testing. Six months later, as demand for the Sputnik V vaccine grows, experts are raising questions again — this time, over whether Moscow can keep up with all the orders from the countries that want it. Slovakia got 200,000 doses on March 1, even though the European Medicines Agency, the European Union's pharmaceutical regulator, only began reviewing its use on Thursday in an expedited process. The president of the hard-hit Czech Republic said he wrote directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin to get a supply. Millions of doses are expected by countries in Latin America, Africa, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East in a wave of Russian vaccine diplomacy. (Litvinova, 3/7) In other global developments — AP: Canada Clears Johnson & Johnson Vaccine, First To Approve 4
Canada is getting a fourth vaccine to prevent COVID-19 as the country's health regulator has cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two, officials said Friday. Health experts are eager for a one-and-done option to help speed vaccination. Canada has also approved vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca and Health Canada is the first major regulator to approve four different vaccines, said Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada's chief medical adviser. (Gillies, 3/5) Axios: Dalai Lama Receives Coronavirus Vaccine
The Dalai Lama received his first dose of coronavirus vaccine on Saturday in a hospital in northern India, AP reports. The 85-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader urged others to follow his example and get vaccinated. Ten other people who live in the Dalai Lama's residence also got a dose of the vaccine. (Knutson, 3/6) AP: 3,000 At Romania Anti-Vaccination Protest Amid COVID-19 Rise
Around 3,000 anti-vaccination protesters from across Romania converged outside the parliament building in Bucharest on Sunday as authorities announced new restrictions amid a rise of COVID-19 infections. It has been less than six weeks since COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed in Bucharest, but rising infections have prompted authorities to reimpose tighter restrictions for a 14-day period effective as of Monday. (McGrath, 3/7) CIDRAP: Officials To Explore COVID Vaccine Supply Gaps, Boosting Production
Though deliveries of COVAX vaccine started at a brisk pace this week, with developed countries ramping up their programs, the demand far exceeds the supply, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today. At a briefing today, WHO officials said they and their partners will hold a global summit on Mar 8 and 9 to look at gaps in the supply chain and examine ways to boost production. Also, officials raised concerns about a COVID-19 surge in Brazil, where the P1 variant is dominant. (Schnirring, 3/5) The Washington Post: Israel Opens Up — But Only To The Vaccinated
Israel, which has partially vaccinated more than half of its population and 90 percent of people 50-years of age and older, threw open much of its economy Sunday for those who have received their shots. Those who have yet to be inoculated, or who are not eligible because they are under 16, still have restrictions to contend with. (Hendrix, 3/8) Also — Stat: European Commission Probes Teva For Allegedly Using Patents To Thwart Competition
In its latest bid to ensure competition among drug makers, the European Commission has opened a formal investigation into whether Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA) illegally prevented rival companies from introducing versions of a top-selling medicine. The probe is focused on two issues. The first is whether Teva used various patent maneuvers to thwart generic manufacturers from being able to market copycat versions of the Copaxone multiple sclerosis treatment. The EC also wants to determine if the drug maker ran a campaign directed at hospitals and doctors to create "false perceptions" of similar multiple sclerosis medicines. (Silverman, 3/5) Viewpoints: Why Is Tech Suddenly Failing Us?; Deployment Strategies For J&J Shots Are Dangerously Wrong Opinion writers share their thoughts on the vaccination rollout. The New York Times: Can We Put An End To The Vaccine Hunger Games?
Like many people, I took to social media last week to complain about how online reservations for vaccinations are being bungled across the country, just as more Americans are becoming eligible for a jab. I also made a testy call to the manager, so to speak, when I dialed up executives at Microsoft, which is one of the many vendors hired by state and local governments to set up the online appointment systems. I wanted them to explain why the website they built for Washington D.C., where I live, felt like the 1980s was calling and wanted its internet back. My agitation — along with all the frustration expressed by many other residents of the District of Columbia — appears to have gotten results. (Kara Swisher, 3/5) Stat: Don't Let Bureaucracy Constrict The Supply Of Covid-19 Vaccines
Vaccination, particularly for the most vulnerable Americans, is the surest way for us to overcome the Covid-19 crisis. As physicians, we celebrate the light at the end of the tunnel, in large part due to Operation Warp Speed. But as members of Congress, we are becoming increasingly concerned that federal bureaucracy continues to stand in the way of rapid, widespread administration of Covid-19 vaccines. The nation has gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about Covid-19 over the past year. Similarly, over the past few weeks, the scientific community has published encouraging analyses about the vaccines that are playing a starring role in leading us out of this crisis. Mountains of real-world evidence are showing that the two mRNA vaccines authorized by the FDA — the first made by Pfizer and BioNTech, the other by Moderna, both of which are supposed to be administered as a two-dose regimen — will provide substantial protection against Covid-19 even after only one dose. (Andy Harris, Greg Murphy and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, 3/7) The Baltimore Sun: Giving Disabled People Vaccine Priority A Good Start, But More Is Needed
Kudos to the state of Maryland for making Americans with disabilities a priority when it comes to giving out the COVID-19 vaccination, but that's only part of the solution to meeting the needs of a community that has become isolated during the virus ("They are prioritized for COVID vaccines. But some Marylanders with disabilities still facing access hurdles," March 3). Often, members of the disability community don't have access to means to get the information necessary to make an appointment for a shot or the ability to go to a vaccination site. Every day, National Telecommuting Institute, a nonprofit organization, helps Americans with disabilities find jobs, and we know about the obstacles they face. Anything that can be done to make accessibility a priority is welcome. (Alan Hubbard, 3/5) Seattle Times: Rise Of Variants Underscores Importance Of COVID-19 Vaccination
New variants of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have appeared to spread more easily. Some may cause more serious disease. Fortunately, current vaccines appear to be at least partially effective against these variants. The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. The more people who are vaccinated, the fewer will get infected. This, in turn, will reduce the risk of new, deadlier variants arising and taking over. In addition to working as a University of Washington Medicine infectious disease specialist, I collaborate with an international team on detecting new infectious disease threats, including new variants of known pathogens. The program, called United World Antiviral Research Network (UWARN), has experts at research centers in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. We set up the program in 2019 because of concern that the world's ability to respond to pandemic threats was too slow and uncoordinated. Unfortunately, 2020 proved that to be correct. (Wes Van Voorhis, 3/7) The Washington Post: The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Works Great For Everyone. It's A Perfect Match For Young Adults.
The newest vaccine against the coronavirus brings America's public health officials to a very delicate point. Deploying the new shots without careful planning could backfire in ways highly damaging to the fight against the pandemic. By most measures, the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson is a gem. It has performed well in clinical trials, proving especially effective against the most severe cases, the ones that put patients into the ICU — if not the morgue. It appears to do well against genetic variants of the virus. Unlike the vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech that received earlier approval from the Food and Drug Administration, the J&J vaccine requires only one visit to a health-care provider, rather than two. It also deploys a different technology against the disease, allowing it to be preserved in ordinary refrigerators rather than super-cold freezers. (David Von Drehle, 3/5) Perspectives: Masks Are Indispensable In The Pandemic Fight; Blood Plasma Might Be, Too Opinion writers weigh in on covid restrictions, the fight against covid, abortion and racism. Houston Chronicle: Exhausted Nurses Ask Abbott To Reconsider Mask Mandate
As public health nurses working to educate our future nursing workforce and vaccinate Texans every day in our community, we have witnessed firsthand the enormous toll that the pandemic, and now the winter storm, has taken on health care professionals and other front-line workers. They have been forced to work in unsafe conditions, without proper PPE and even having to remove feces from toilets without running water. And, despite just learning that the U.S. would have enough vaccines for every adult who wants one in just three short months and that Houston was the first city in the United States to record all major COVID strains, Gov. Greg Abbott declared, "It is now time to reopen Texas 100 percent. "The governor once again gambles with our safety, rescinding his single most effective pandemic policy: a statewide mask protocol. (Whitney Thurman and Karen Johnson, 3/8) The Washington Post: When States Unmask, We Know What Happens Next
A year ago this week, Mississippi recorded its first confirmed case of covid-19. The state's new governor, Tate Reeves (R), seemed unconcerned: Rather than issue stay-at-home orders or other statewide mitigation measures, he took a family trip to Europe and urged Mississippians to trust in the "power of prayer. "By the end of the month, the state had the highest hospitalization rate in the country. Then, in August, after thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths, Reeves issued a statewide mask mandate — only to lift it again less than two months later. As CNN's Jake Tapper pointed out to Reeves, who appeared "State of the Union" on Sunday, "You said — quote — 'it was a very turbulent summer, but we have come out on the other side.' But then cases began to rise again. And you ultimately went through an even worse surge over the winter. More than 3,000 Mississippians lost their lives." (James Downie, 3/7) USA Today: Blood Plasma May Be How To Fight COVID-19
What if there was a way to avoid the business shutdowns, long quarantines, and anxiety surrounding an exposure to or infection by COVID-19 before a vaccine becomes widespread? My colleagues and I at Johns Hopkins University are working on two clinical trials to answer that question. We're investigating if a blood plasma transfusion containing high levels of antibodies to COVID-19, given early in illness, reduces the severity of the disease or even prevents people from developing an infection entirely. For those at high-risk, we believe this treatment could cut hospitalizations by half and prevent deaths. For those with milder cases, we believe that antibody-rich plasma would speed up recovery time and reduce the spread of the virus. Success for us is defined by lessening the impact of the pandemic, allowing us to resume more normal lives, and reducing the deaths and grief that COVID-19 is causing to families and communities across our country. (Dr. David Sullivan, 3/7) Stat: Making The Pharma Industry's Post-Covid Future Faster And Smarter
There's nothing like a global pandemic to force a reimagining of one's business. What it means for the pharmaceutical industry is that it can't keep doing what it's been doing for years. Covid-19 has exposed the industry's antiquated sales model and revealed the limitations and opportunities of remote commerce. And the speed with which Covid-19 vaccines have been developed taught us that bringing therapies to market needn't be a 10-year slog if you're working in concert with government for the betterment of public health. (Saul Helman and David Weiss, 3/8) Also — USA Today: Abortion Access: Biden, Stand Up Against Discriminatory Hyde Amendment
I walk into the room and greet my patient with a smile. Six months earlier, I delivered her first baby by cesarean section after a long labor. "How are you?" I ask. She assures me that she is doing fine, her daughter is thriving. She quickly takes out her phone and flips through a few recent photos. She smiles at me and tells me that she is just not ready for another baby. My patient is pregnant again and has made the decision to have an abortion. Just as I did when I delivered her daughter, I strive to hold a space of dignity and respect. I hold space for her and her emotions. I recognize that for her, she is making a difficult decision, but is doing so out of love and compassion. (Dr. Katherine Brown, 3/7) The New York Times: Declare Racism A Public Health Emergency
While Black and Latinx people make up only 13 and 18 percent of the U.S. population respectively, as of November they represent more than 50 percent of the country's Covid-19 hospitalizations. In Los Angeles County, deaths among Latinx people have increased more than 1,000 percent since November, nearly triple the rate for white residents. Native Americans have been nearly twice as likely as white people to die from Covid-19. The virus has killed a disproportionate number of Filipino nurses. To bring desperately needed relief to the communities of color that have been ravaged by the pandemic because of the effects of structural racism, the Department of Health and Human Services should declare racism a public health emergency. There is momentum behind this idea. Across the country, cities and states have declared racism a public health crisis. The American Academy of Family Physicians has also called for the declaration of a public health emergency. Last year, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Barbara Lee proposed a bill that would instruct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) to create a center addressing the impact of racism on public health. The White House has created a Covid-19 health equity task force that will make recommendations to improve the federal government's data on racial disparities and its response to them. (Abdullah Shihipar, 3/7) |
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