Arizona Faces Alarming Shortfall in Childhood Vaccinations and Fluoride Access

Kinder vaccination rates in Arizona are alarming, trailing behind nearly every other state. Only 57% of residents in the state have access to fluoridated water, significantly lower than the national average.

Public health experts are voicing serious concerns regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for secretary of Health and Human Services. During his confirmation hearings, he faced intense scrutiny from senators over his controversial stance on childhood vaccinations and fluoridation.

For years, Kennedy has publicly questioned the safety and efficacy of vaccines for diseases such as measles and polio, which have largely been eradicated in the country. Furthermore, he advocates for the elimination of fluoride in public water, a move dental professionals warn could lead to widespread tooth decay.

Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, stated, “It would be catastrophic if he gets in this job.” The association has urged its members to encourage Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego to oppose Kennedy’s nomination. Although both senators have raised concerns, none has committed to a definite vote.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8.5% of Arizona kindergartners did not receive at least one required vaccination for the 2023-2024 school year. Only four states reported higher noncompliance rates, heightening public health fears.

While more than 95% of Arizona kindergartners completed the mandated vaccinations, about 5% received none. Parents can opt out by signing a Personal Exemption Form without justification, although they must acknowledge that their child won’t be allowed in school during outbreaks.

Vaccination rates vary across counties, with polio vaccination rates ranging from 76% in Greenlee County to 90% in Maricopa County, which serves a much larger population. The Arizona Department of Health Services suggests that a 95% vaccination rate is essential for herd immunity.

CDC data also places Arizona at 37th nationally for access to fluoridated water, with only 57% of residents benefiting from it, well below the national average of 72%. Critics of Kennedy’s nomination fear he could exacerbate this issue.

Kennedy has previously expressed intentions to advise water districts about their legal liabilities concerning fluoride, stating, “…and fluoride will disappear,” alarming health experts who view water fluoridation as a significant public health advancement.

Opposition to Kennedy’s nomination spans various groups, including the American Public Health Association. Senators like Mitch McConnell have also voiced dissent, highlighting the dangers of diminishing trust in established healthcare practices.

Despite his claims, Kennedy’s long-held assertions linking vaccines to autism have been discredited by the medical community. His previous leadership of Children’s Health Defense has drawn scrutiny for promoting misinformation regarding vaccines and health.

Dr. Marny Eulberg, a family physician and polio survivor, expressed grave concern about a vaccine skeptic in a leading health position. She recounted her own experience with polio and emphasized the lifesaving benefits of vaccines.

Kennedy briefly ran for president in the previous year, later supporting Donald Trump. At his confirmation hearing, he claimed to support key vaccinations. “I support the measles vaccine. I support the polio vaccine,” he insisted.

However, Senator Ron Wyden challenged him, reminding everyone of his previous statements that he would refrain from vaccinating his children. Humble expressed worries that Kennedy might cut vital funding for the Vaccines for Children program, which has significantly reduced preventable diseases. This program has been instrumental in preventing about 30 million hospitalizations.