What We’re Reading: Adults Wary of Vaccine Safety; International Traveler Screenings End; Drop in Teen Vaping Rates

KFF Poll Reflects COVID-19 Vaccine Concern

A new poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that only 42% of US adults would be willing to receive a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine that is approved before the November presidential election. According to analysts, the results reflect widespread concern that the Trump administration will pressure drug regulators to approve a vaccine prior to the election without ensuring its safety and efficacy. Although 6 in 10 adults surveyed said they worried the FDA will rush to put out a vaccine due to political pressure, this concern varied across party lines, as it is held by 85% of Democrats surveyed, 35% of Republicans, and 61% of independents.

Airports to Stop Screening International Travelers

On Monday, September 14, the US government will stop conducting enhanced screenings of passengers arriving on international flights for COVID-19, Yahoo News reports. The screenings have taken place at some airports since January. Beginning in March, all incoming flights from high-risk countries have been funneled through 15 designated airports across the country. Starting Monday, the flights will no longer be redirected into select airports for passenger screenings, and all passenger screenings will be halted. The typical process includes a temperature check and questioning about COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering passport control and customs.

Survey Finds Sharp Decline in Youth Vaping Rates

A recently released federal report found vaping by US teenagers fell dramatically in 2020, especially among middle schoolers, according to the AP. In addition to outbreaks of vaping-related illnesses and deaths in 2019, experts believe higher age limits and flavor bans may have also contributed to the decline. The national survey found that just under 20% of high school students and 5% of middle school students reported recently using vapes and e-cigarettes. A similar survey conducted in 2019 showed roughly 28% of high schoolers and 11% of middle school students recently vaped, marking a decline of 1.8 million users. However, the report also showed an uptick in use of disposable e-cigarettes.