Pfizer and BioNTech to seek authorization of second coronavirus booster shot for people 65 and older

The application comes as federal officials and the public health community debate whether fourth shots will be needed for the general public.

By Laurie McGinley,  Tyler Pager and Carolyn Y. JohnsonMarch 15, 2022

Lawmakers push for pandemic probe modeled on 9/11 Commission ‘to fully reckon with the lessons’

The fate of the bipartisan effort, which must pass both chambers and get Biden’s signature, is uncertain amid GOP- and Democrat-led investigations.

By Dan DiamondMarch 15, 2022

What would happen if a citizen of Cash, Ark., lost Medicaid benefits? Nothing good.

Millions of vulnerable Americans could suffer the effects of the loss of emergency Medicaid insurance this year.

By Brandon Dill and Amy GoldsteinMarch 14, 2022

Millions of vulnerable Americans likely to fall off Medicaid once the federal public health emergency ends

States will have to sort out who no longer belongs on rolls that have swollen to record levels during the pandemic.

By Amy GoldsteinMarch 14, 2022

Salt is in all types of food. Here’s how to cut your daily sodium intake.

Even cereal and bread can have large amounts of sodium. Following these tips can offer big benefits and keep your food tasty.

By Sharon LiaoMarch 14, 2022

The most-fit are 33 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, report says

As fitness improved, people’s chances of developing the dementia decreased, researchers found.

By Linda SearingMarch 13, 2022

As mask mandates drop, ask these questions to gauge safety of indoor spaces

Knowing how often air turns over and what filters are used would help.

By Marlene CimonsMarch 13, 2022

Uncovering the stories of a segregated TB sanitarium

A research project is looking for the public’s help to learn about the nation’s first sanatorium for Black patients.

By Erin BlakemoreMarch 13, 2022

West Point cadets overdose on fentanyl while on spring break in South Florida, police say

Fort Lauderdale Fire Department Battalion Chief Steve Gollan said Friday that six people in town for Spring Break were exposed to fentanyl and went into cardiac arrest. Two remain in critical condition as of late Friday.

By Timothy BellaMarch 12, 2022
Perspective

How I learned to talk about death and dying

Why it's important to talk about death and dying -- before it's too late.

By Steven PetrowMarch 12, 2022

Medicare Advantage plans send ‘Papa pals’ to seniors’ homes for companionship

But the service also allows the plans to collect more money from Medicare by persuading clients to get annual wellness exams, fill out personal health risk assessments

By Phil GalewitzMarch 12, 2022

For these young people, the pandemic has been harsh. Here are their hopes for the future.

We asked members of this “Generation Pandemic” to respond to the open-ended statement “After the pandemic, I want to … ”

By Max Strickberger and Alan JinichMarch 12, 2022
PodcastOpinion

Author John Green reflects on the legacy of global health giant Paul Farmer

Paul Farmer, a global health advocate and physician whose work saved millions of lives, died in Rwanda last month at age 62. Author John Green, a mentee of Farmer’s, discusses the physician’s life and remarkable legacy.

By Julie DepenbrockMarch 11, 2022

Kent Waldrep, paralyzed athlete who championed disability rights and research, dies at 67

Paralyzed in a college football injury, he devoted much of the rest of his life to raising money for research on spinal cord injuries.

By Emily LangerMarch 10, 2022

Pandemic life, two years later: Where do you fit in?

This personal pandemic check-up shows how many Americans share your experiences.

By Derek Hawkins,  Alyssa Fowers,  Madison Dong,  Dan Keating and Simon DucroquetMarch 10, 2022

Covid response may have to be scaled back amid congressional inaction, White House says

With $15.6 billion in coronavirus aid stripped from a deal to fund the government, Democrats are scrambling for how to fund the effort.

By Dan Diamond and Tony RommMarch 10, 2022

Federal government allows program to pay substance abusers for staying clean

One effort would be capped at $599 per year. Research shows that payments of a few dollars every few days are highly effective in helping users remain sober when combined with other therapies.

By Lenny BernsteinMarch 10, 2022

Congress weighs permanent daylight saving time in a debate as regular as clockwork

Nearly two-thirds of Americans want to stop shifting their clocks twice a year, according to polls.

By Dan DiamondMarch 9, 2022

Patient who received a genetically modified pig’s heart has died, hospital says

David Bennett Sr., the first person in the world to receive a genetically modified pig’s heart, died Tuesday, according to officials at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bennett underwent the groundbreaking transplant Jan 7.

By Frances Stead SellersMarch 9, 2022

Florida releases guidance discouraging covid vaccine for most children

The state’s position has parents more confused and medical experts criticizing its scientific justifications.

By Lori RozsaMarch 8, 2022