Colonoscopy time? Watch out for surprise costs

A new (old-school) COVID vaccine is coming

View this email online June 5, 2022 by Andrea Muraskin This week: A new COVID shot may attract vaccine skeptics, but some experts are skeptical it will make a difference. Some colonoscopy recipients get surprise bills, and we figure out why.  A new, but old-school COVID vaccine nears approval Carsten Koall/Getty Images Development of the Pfizer and Moderna shots, which use new mRNA-based technology, was fast-tracked because of the pandemic. That left some Americans hesitant about getting vaxxed.  To be clear, the mRNA vaccines have proven safe and effective, but vaccine hesitancy remains widespread. Now, a company called Novavax is seeking approval for a vaccine that works through an older, tried-and-true process. It’s been shown to be 90% effective against severe illness and health officials are optimistic that the new, old-school shot might encourage some of the hesitators to finally get their shots. But other experts don’t expect minds to change.  Here's what makes the Novavax shot different. Plus: Little kids could start getting their shots as soon as late June.    Newsletter continues after sponsor message Preventive care is supposed to be free, but there’s a colonoscopy loophole Philip Keith/KHN If you’ve ever had a colonoscopy you’ll know what we’re talking about: It’s an, ahem, extremely awkward experience. But it can save your life. The reason you subject yourself to lying on that exam table sideways with a gown that opens in the back is so your doctor can search you for precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer.  The procedure is recommended for adults over age 45, and usually is fully covered under the ACA as preventive care. So it came as a shock for 59-year-old New Hampshire resident Elizabeth Melville when she got a bill for over $2,000. And Melville is not alone. KHN reporter Michelle Andrews has Melville’s story – and tips for how to avoid getting stuck with the bill –because having a colonoscopy is unpleasant enough!  Plus: That time NASA almost sent Sally Ride into space with 100 tampons. What will change – and how quickly – if Roe is overturned Sean Gallup/Getty Images Following the leaked Supreme Court decision that suggests Roe v. Wade will be overturned, many Americans of childbearing age are wondering what life will be like where they live if this happens. Of course, reproductive health care providers on the front lines of this debate have been thinking about this for quite some time. Here is some guidance from two people working in the field on what reproductive health care might look like in the future, and how to keep informed and prepared if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Plus: California prepares to welcome abortion-seekers Before you go Photographer/Source Listen: What research can - and can’t - tell us about mass shootings Respite care gives homeless patients a break, and a chance to heal Kids are getting sick from taking too much melatonin. Considering switching to plant-based burgers? Here's how to make them sizzle on your grill We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots and follow us on Twitter at @NPRHealth. All best, Andrea Muraskin and NPR's health editors Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy