What We’re Reading: Low Rates of COVID-19 Boosters in Nursing Homes; Racial Discrimination in Health Care; New Obesity Treatment

Concerns Rise as Nursing Home Residents and Staff Lag in COVID-19 Boosters

The United States faces heightened risks as it enters peak respiratory virus season with low vaccination rates among nursing home residents and staff, according to The Hill. Only 27% of nursing home residents and 6% of staff have received COVID-19 boosters since September, leaving a vulnerable population at risk. With the absence of federal vaccine mandates for nursing home workers, health experts emphasize the need for persuasion efforts to boost vaccination rates.

Survey Highlights Prevalence of Racial Discrimination in Health Care

A recent survey of nearly 6300 patients in the United States underscores the widespread issue of racial discrimination in the health care system, according to Kaiser Health News. The survey revealed that a significant percentage of Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic adults feel the need to be cautious about their appearance before medical appointments to be treated fairly. This highlights the stress caused by the anticipation of discrimination, adding to existing health concerns.

New Obesity Treatment Hits US Pharmacies at $550/Month

Eli Lilly's obesity treatment, tirzepatide (Zepbound), has entered US pharmacies, offering a new option in the expanding weight-loss drug market, projected to reach $100 billion by the end of the decade, according to Reuters. Tirzepatide, with a list price of $1059.87 a month, could cost customers without insurance coverage $550 a month. The drug aims to rival Novo Nordisk's semaglutide (Wegovy), a popular weight-loss medication. Lilly's commercial savings card program may reduce costs to as low as $25 for insured patients, making it more accessible.