Axios

Clorox is recalling 37 million Pine-Sol products because they may contain bacteria, including pseudomonas aeruginosa, the company said Tuesday.

Why it matters: People with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed "face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment," Clorox said in the recall notice.

Black and Latino Americans saw surges in enrollment in the federal government's health care marketplace between 2020 and 2022, according to a new report released by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Why it matters: Black and Latino communities have historically had higher uninsured rates despite facing greater risks of worse health outcomes.

Plaintiffs in an Affordable Care Act lawsuit are now asking a federal judge to toss all parts of the law requiring coverage of preventive health services.

Why it matters: The filing raises the stakes in the closely watched case, Kelley v. Becerra: If U.S. District Court Judge Reed O'Connor sides with the plaintiffs, millions of Americans could lose coverage for cancer screenings, behavioral counseling and other recommendations made by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Just 15% of Republicans have a "great deal" of confidence in scientists to act in the best interest of the American people, according to the Pew Research Center.

Why it matters: Democrats and Republicans disagree on the role of scientists in public policy — and that divide has only grown wider since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reproductive health advocates and Democratic lawmakers are intensifying calls for the Food and Drug Administration to make contraceptives available without a prescription ahead of a closely watched advisory panel meeting next month.

Why it matters: Health experts say making HRA Pharma's Opill pill available without a prescription will prevent more unwanted pregnancies, and the need for abortions. But that hinges on whether insurers will cover it and whether the drugmaker, part of the consumer products giant Perrigo, makes it affordable to those paying out of pocket.

This article originally appeared in Axios Finish Line, our nightly newsletter on life, leadership and wellness. Sign up here.

I almost died a few days ago, Axios' Danielle Jones writes.

• I'm a relatively healthy person. I've quit, cold turkey: sodas, cigarettes, meat and, most recently, booze. I'm vaccinated and I minimize risks.
• But an unexpected thing happened, something I never in 50 years prepared for.

Stealthy new COVID-19 variants, low vaccination rates and mixed messaging over the state of the pandemic threaten to thwart the Biden administration's efforts to contain a wintertime surge.

Why it matters: The pandemic has largely become background noise to a crisis-fatigued public even as new strains show the ability to topple our best defenses. And there's still confusion over such basics as what it means to be "fully vaccinated."

President Biden will receive an updated COVID-19 booster shot this week, White House spokesperson Kevin Munoz said Sunday evening.

The big picture: "Around 20 million people have gotten an updated COVID vaccine so far," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a briefing Thursday. "This is really an important progress, but it's not enough."