Re “FDA staff blocked studies in support of vaccines” (May 6) and “FDA announces its first OK of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults in major shift under Trump” (May 5): I am absolutely astounded and infuriated that the FDA, a historically reliable institution, would block publication of scientific evidence related to public-funded studies revealing the overall safety of COVID and shingles vaccines.
Those who have experienced shingles or a debilitating case of COVID would, without a doubt, want to avoid their horrific effects for those they care about and themselves.
And in another abysmal FDA decision, it approved fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults. As a mother and retired high school/middle school teacher, it goes without saying that preteens and high school students will be next in line.
— April Adams, Ramona
The mind-numbing thoughtlessness of these two FDA decisions would be comical were it not for the fact that suffering and death will be the direct consequence. We are entering the medical dark ages. It is our responsibility to reject these policies and demand a return to accepted public health standards.
— Richard A. Brown, Del Mar