> That very act of avoiding the topic/suppressing it and pushing “specific science” makes lots of people - many who are very intelligent and aware - suspicious.

Suspicious of what exactly? The COVID vaccines aren’t very profitable, certainly not compared to the monoclonal antibodies, antivirals etc, of which the unvaccinated are the greatest consumers. However, the data is unequivocal on their effectiveness in drastically reducing negative outcomes. The vaccines being involved in political in-group out-group dynamics is bitterly regrettable, but that is circumstantial to whether there is legitimate suspicion of the vaccines.