Category: Kaiser Health News

When Your Chance for a Covid Shot Comes, Don’t Worry About the Numbers

Late-stage trial results for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine showed it was 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe covid illness, while the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were more than 90% effective. But the numbers aren’t exactly comparable. And all three shots prevent hospitalization and death.

How a Bounty of Vaccines Flooded a Small Hospital and Its Nearby College

An ad hoc, chaotic distribution system is leading to a bizarre mix of vaccine haves and have-nots.

‘An Arm and a Leg’: Tips for Fighting Medical Bills From a Former ‘Bad Guy’ Lawyer

Jeff Bloom, a lawyer who used to represent medical-bill collectors in court, is sharing what he knows. “I was a bad guy, for sure,” he said. Then, a few years ago, he switched sides.

Food Guidelines Change But Fail to Take Cultures Into Account

For decades, the federal government has tried to guide our eating habits. They once again revised recommendations, but they didn’t incorporate ethnic and cultural differences of the American diet. Here’s why.

Older Adults Without Family or Friends Lag in Race to Get Vaccines

Public health officials have singled out seniors as key candidates for the covid-19 vaccines but too many of these seniors are not able to get shots because they don’t use computers, don’t have internet services or transportation, or don’t have someone to help them with the process.

Tampa’s Mayor vs. a Covid-Era Super Bowl

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor — an outspoken former cop — has clashed repeatedly with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has limited what local officials can do to confront the pandemic. But she reached an uneasy peace with the state and is convinced that safeguards instituted by the NFL will help keep crowds safe at the NFL championship game.

States Move Ahead With Canada Drug Importation While Awaiting Signal From Biden

As president, Donald Trump encouraged states to bring in drugs from Canada, where prices are cheaper. It’s not clear if the new administration will follow suit.

Pandemic Sends a Couple Into Indefinite Long Distance Though Just Miles Apart

Everyone is trying to figure out how relationships work in the time of covid. That includes a Bozeman, Montana, couple who suddenly found themselves in a long-distance relationship when the pandemic sent their group homes for adults with disabilities into lockdown.

Vaccination Chaos Fuels Push to Recall Newsom

The growing public backlash over California’s messy vaccine rollout is putting immense pressure on Gov. Gavin Newsom, a first-term Democrat facing a Republican-driven recall effort.

If This Self-Sufficient Hospital Cannot Stand Alone, Can Any Public Hospital Survive?

New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., makes money and does not require taxpayer subsidies. But the county is selling the public hospital because officials say it needs more capital to compete. Civic leaders say the change will lead to higher health care costs.