With Trump’s recent win in the US election, and his “pledge to let Robert F Kennedy Jr go wild on health”, has sparked widespread discussion among the healthcare industry. Both Trump and RFK Jr have controversial stances on health issues, such as vaccines and fluoride in drinking water.

RFK Jr, an environmental lawyer with no formal credentials in medicine or public health, has been outspoken about his distrust in vaccination. However, if vaccination rates were to significantly decline, both individuals and communities would face increased risks of potentially life-threatening diseases. Unvaccinated individuals are more susceptible to preventable diseases like polio, whooping cough, or measles, all of which can lead to serious complications or death. Larger scale epidemics, brought on by a drop in vaccination rates, endangers herd immunity which is crucial in safeguarding the already vulnerable populations, including anyone who is immunocompromised, the elderly, young children, and organ transplant recipients, who can not safely receive vaccines. These potential epidemics would put an unnecessary strain on the healthcare system and result in preventable fatalities. Vaccines are a cornerstone in public health, they protect the individual and the community while preventing the re-emergence of nearly eradicated diseases. Preventing illness through vaccination is far more effective and economical than relying on treatment after disease onset.

In an attempt to “Make America Healthy Again” RFK Jr has advocated for removing fluoride from public water supplies. However, fluoride in drinking water is widely recognised as one of the most impactful public health initiatives due to its role significantly reducing tooth decay, a common health issue across the globe. By strengthening tooth enamel and increasing resistance to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth, fluoride is essential in the prevention of cavities, particularly for those with limited access to dental care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognises community water fluoridation as a major public health achievement, with studies showing that it reduces tooth decay by 25% across communities with water fluoridation compared to those without. Water fluoridation helps reduce the need for avoidable dental treatments, such as fillings, and offers a substantial economic benefit, yielding approximately $20 in savings for every $1 invested by lowering overall dental care costs.

Both vaccination and water fluoridation are critical, cost-effective preventive measures that bolster public health by significantly reducing the incidence of diseases before they start. These interventions not only improve health outcomes on a broad scale but also save communities substantial healthcare costs by lessening the need for costly treatments, emergency interventions, and ongoing care associated with preventable conditions. By prioritising prevention through vaccination and fluoridation, society invests in a healthier population, reduces strain on healthcare systems, and builds a foundation for improved quality of life and well-being for all.