Category: Public Health

COVID-19 vaccinations fall 27% as BA.2’s prevalence grows: 10 CDC findings

The number of COVID-19 vaccines administered daily fell by more than 25 percent this week amid the omicron subvariant’s growing prevalence in the U.S., according to the CDC’s COVID-19 data tracker weekly review published March 25.

Senators Ask GAO to Examine Medicaid’s Low Covid Vaccination Rates

Sens. Robert Casey Jr. and Ron Wyden want a probe into what barriers are keeping Medicaid plans from reaching enrollees.

8 states where COVID-19 deaths have climbed the last 2 weeks

COVID-19 deaths are falling nationwide, but eight states are still seeing higher daily death averages than recorded two weeks ago. 

Mayo projects 12% rise in COVID-19 cases in next 2 weeks

COVID-19 cases are expected to increase nationwide over the next two weeks as the omicron subvariant BA.2 gains prevalence, modeling from Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic shows.

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: The ACA Turns 12

Although its fate was in doubt more than a few times, the Affordable Care Act turned 12 this week. Year 13 could be pivotal in determining how many Americans receive ACA health insurance, and at what price. Meanwhile, three leading credit bureaus agreed to stop using most medical debt to measure U.S. consumers’ creditworthiness. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Rachel Cohrs of Stat, and KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more.

COVID-19 tied to diabetes diagnosis and 8 other research findings

Here are nine COVID-19-related research findings covered by Becker’s Hospital Review since Feb. 25:

US may roll out 2nd booster recommendation within weeks

The White House may authorize a second COVID-19 booster dose for people 65 and older within a few weeks, four sources familiar with the matter told Politico. 

COVID-19 hospitalizations up in 45 states

COVID-19 hospitalizations are up 20 percent nationwide over the last 14 days, with 45 states and Washington, D.C., reporting an increase. 

CDC monitors worst bird flu outbreak since 2015: 5 notes

The CDC is closely monitoring a lethal strain of bird flu that has been identified in 17 states since February, NBC News reported March 23.

Can Melatonin Gummies Solve Family Bedtime Struggles? Experts Advise Caution

Throughout history, parents have searched for the secret to getting fretful children to sleep through the night. The latest strategy involves giving children melatonin-infused gummies and tablets, a trend that concerns some doctors.