Health Headlines for Friday, February 16

Flu vaccine only 36 percent effective

ABC News

The flu vaccine is doing a poor job protecting older Americans and others against the bug that’s causing most illnesses.

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Flu cases keep rising in New York, hospitalizations down

Post Star

State health officials say the number of New Yorkers with confirmed cases of the flu keeps rising but the number of people requiring hospitalization has declined.

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Pharma giant Roche to acquire Flatiron Health for $1.9 billion

Crain’s

Manhattan oncology data company Flatiron Health said Thursday it has agreed to be acquired by the Swiss drugmaker Roche for $1.9 billion. The landmark deal signals the growing strength of the city’s health technology sector.

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Cuomo’s risky, hidden budget games

New York Post

Gov. Cuomo is taking some big risks with this year’ s budget, warns state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

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GUEST VIEW: In defense of state’s Health Care Insurance Windfall Profit Fee

Niagara Gazette

A recent op-ed in these pages criticized Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Budget for proposing the Health Care Insurance Windfall Profit Fee to establish a fairer tax system.

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DEC: 172 pharmacies, hospitals & long-term care facilities participating in 2nd round of state’s pilot drug ‘take-back’ program

Niagara Frontier Publications

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the second group of participants in the state’s $2 million pilot pharmaceutical “take-back” program.

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