Category: NPR

Cases are surging in some states, but the Biden administration’s chief medical adviser says “hopefully … the vaccine is going to win this one.” He urges continued mask-wearing and other measures.

NPR’s Ari Shapiro talks with Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary health at the HHS, about her trailblazing role as the first openly trans federal official confirmed by senate.

“I think people fear what they don’t understand,” says Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health and the first openly transgender person to serve in a Senate-confirmed position.

“I think people fear what they don’t understand,” says Levine, assistant secretary for health and the first openly transgender person to serve in a Senate-confirmed position.

The drug company says the problem involved one batch of a substance that goes into its coronavirus vaccine. But the contractor, Emergent BioSolutions, has a history of problems.

A federal push to reach both residents and staff at long-term care facilities is winding down, leaving many workers who care for the elderly and vulnerable unvaccinated.

With control of Congress, Democrats could quickly overturn some Trump administration health regulations by using the Congressional Review Act. So why aren’t they moving to do so?

Same building. Same procedure. Same doctor. But there was an extra “facility fee” because the location changed slightly. A shot that used to cost her about $30 went up to more than $300.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine into most Americans’ arms will involve much more than a good supply and logistics. Values such as equity, deep listening, and informed choice are crucial, too.

The $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill expands subsidies for private insurance plans. That will lighten the burden on consumers, but it locks taxpayers into yet more support for the health care industry.