Medical Treatments

Vaccine maker Novavax is starting a large coronavirus vaccine trial in the U.K. Gregory Glenn, the company's president of research and development, talks with NPR about how vaccines are tested.

A cook at a senior center, Matthew Fentress is one of millions of Americans whose skimpy health insurance plans leave them vulnerable to huge out-of-pocket costs when they get sick.

There's still much that is unknown. But Dr. Denise Jamieson, chair of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory Healthcare, says recent findings "should be somewhat reassuring."

Draft documents obtained by NPR show that the federal government is preparing to enforce new data reporting requirements, threatening to withhold vital Medicare funding from noncompliant hospitals.

Volunteers getting the shot help determine if a candidate vaccine works. But what with social distancing and masks, scientists must discern if it's the shot or these other measures preventing illness.

Over 100,000 people worldwide are taking part in coronavirus vaccine trials. NPR answers common questions, such as why so many people are needed and what it means to say a vaccine works.

Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discussed on Tuesday who will get the first doses of a coronavirus vaccine when it is available.

A CDC advisory committee is debating this issue Tuesday. Half of U.S. adults could be considered high priority, yet the initial supply is likely to be only enough for 3% to 5% of the population.

One thing that has improved a lot over the course of the pandemic is treatment of seriously ill COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. Here's one man's success story.

Drugs are being tested that could reduce symptoms and save lives. But, given the way drugs are developed, it's unlikely that any single medicine will be anywhere as potent as a successful vaccine.

Some people have skipped care because of finances or fear of the virus, doctors say. Others find medical practices closed to new patients. Many are suffering health consequences, an NPR poll finds.

Researchers were able to mimic the mind-altering effects of the drug ketamine by inducing a particular rhythm in one area of the brain.