Califf’s Covid Twitter Communications Reveal Knowledge Gaps Partially Of FDA’s Own Making

FDA Commissioner’s recent Twitter threads highlight the challenges of discussing the unknowns of therapeutic interventions – and raise questions about why FDA isn’t doing more to close the information gaps.

Califf twitter — Califf came to the defense of Paxlovid and bivalent vaccines in two Twitter threads. Was the public able to absorb the best messages? • Source: Nielsen Hobbs; the Pink Sheet | Shutterstock images

Recent Twitter threads from US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf related to the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines and the antiviral Paxlovid focused on potential misimpressions people may be making about the pharmaceuticals.

The threads, which seem to stem from Califf’s desire to tackle misinformation, highlight evidence gaps and uncertainties about the products that have helped fuel some of the scientific community and...

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