Introduction
Health news felt like a never-ending story in 2021, thanks to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and its numerous variants. However, there were other vital health news stories that we cannot afford to overlook. From breakthrough medical discoveries to controversial debates in health policy, these stories gained major headlines this year. Here is a comprehensive overview of the top 10 health news stories of 2021 in the United States.
Body
1. Vaccine Roll-out
The Covid-19 vaccine roll-out was one of the most critical health news stories of the year. The United States became one of the first countries to authorise and distribute various vaccines, which played a vital role in the fight against the pandemic. Moreover, the vaccine’s efficacy sparked heated debates about vaccine mandates and anti-vaccine movements, leading to political and social controversies throughout the year.
2. J&J Vaccine Pause
In April, the US government halted the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine distribution due to rare cases of severe blood clotting among the recipients. The pause lasted for over a week, which put more pressure on the already strained vaccine distribution process.
3. Mental Health Awareness
The pandemic’s impact on mental health became increasingly apparent in 2021, leading to mental health awareness becoming a top concern in the healthcare industry. More Resources were put into prevention and treatment of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, which were worsened by the pandemic.
4. Alzheimer’s Drug Approval
The US Food and Drug Administration approved the first new Alzheimer’s drug in nearly two decades. It was the first drug seeking to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, and its approval raised concerns among experts about its actual effectiveness.
5. Diabetes Drug Breakthrough
A new diabetes drug, known as Rybelsus, was approved by the FDA. It is the first oral medication that helps to lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes patients.
6. Telehealth Revolution
Telehealth services went mainstream in 2021, providing easier and remote access to healthcare. It was accelerated by the pandemic, and its success has generated discussions on the policy change to make telehealth services permanent.
7. Climate Change and Health
Climate change continued to impact public health, particularly with increased frequency of natural disasters. Reports highlighted the need for the health industry to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation in their policies.
8. Healthcare Worker Shortages
The healthcare industry faced numerous challenges due to shortages of healthcare professionals such as nursing and medical staff. The issue is primarily attributed to the pandemic’s effects, and it jeopardizes the quality of healthcare delivery.
9. Health Data Privacy Concerns
Health data privacy concerns were on the rise as healthcare technologies collect and store more individual data. Reports revealed alarming facts about personal health data privacy violations, which provoked calls for more robust legislation on the matter.
10. Controversial Abortion Laws
Several states enacted restrictive abortion laws, sparking heated debates on reproductive rights and health care policies in the US. The laws led to advocacy for safe access to abortion for women.
Conclusion
The year 2021 was an eventful year in the health sector, with significant medical discoveries, policy debates, and healthcare delivery challenges. The top 10 health news stories in the US were critical in shaping the healthcare industry’s future. These stories highlighted the importance of research and awareness, technological advancements and mental health on individual and public health.
