Get All Access for $5/mo

Make-A-Wish Foundation to Accept All Children Regardless of Vaccination Status The company is clarifying its policy after widespread backlash.

By Emily Rella Edited by Amanda Breen

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Dutchmen Photography | Shutterstock

As the pandemic begins to wane thanks to widespread distribution and access to vaccines, it's easy to forget that for some, being vaccinated isn't a safe or viable option.

For those with life-threatening and complicated illnesses, being eligible to be vaccinated isn't a guarantee, making it difficult to travel or attend certain venues or cities that have restrictions put into place where only vaccinated patrons are allowed to enter.

This also applies for children under age 12 in the U.S. who have still not been cleared to receive immunization.

Related: A Major Cruise Line Just Dropped Its Vaccine Requirement

At the helm of this dilemma has been the Make-A-Wish foundation, who last week announced that it would open up wishes that include air travel or large gatherings to children who are vaccinated.

The statement upset many, who misinterpreted the policy to mean that only vaccinated children (which would also mean only children above the age of 12) would be eligible for wish granting.

"The Make a Wish Foundation is going to discriminate against unvaccinated terminal kids," one Twitter user said. "What a disgrace of a world we live in!"

After condemnation and backlash, the organization released a statement clarifying its policy.

One Sunday night, Make-A-Wish clarified that it will continue with "wish-granting" for all children, regardless of vaccination status, as it has since the onset of the pandemic.

The company explained that in addition to wishes that it has been granting for children during the pandemic, it will now open up to include wishes involving air travel and large gatherings for those who are vaccinated.

"We understand that there are many families whose children aren't eligible for the vaccine yet, and we also know that there are families who are choosing to not get the vaccine," the company said. "We respect everyone's freedom of choice. Make-A-Wish will continue to grant wishes for all eligible children. Make-A-Wish will not require anyone to get vaccinated to receive a wish."

The company explained that it has been working and consulting with health care professionals throughout the pandemic via its internal National Medical Advisory Council as well as monitoring updated guidelines from the CDC.

Related: 4 Ways to Protect Your Health After the Pandemic

Make-A-Wish also explained that in an emergency end-of-life diagnosis for a participant, the company will employ a "special process" to make the wish come to life regardless of whether or not a child is vaccinated.

"We look forward to the day when medical experts advise that we can lift all restrictions," the organization explained. "Above all, we remain committed to our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. As we enter phase one of our reemergence plan, we thank you for your patience, your cooperation, your partnership, and your trust."

The foundation says that it has granted over 6,500 wishes to children amid the pandemic, an impressive feat given the complicated restrictions put into place in the past year.

These include virtual celebrity meetings, staycations, room redecorations and road trips.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Growing a Business

Why Business Owners Should Streamline Their Operations Now for Success in 2025

As the holiday season and year-end approach, business owners face heightened operational demands, from inventory management to spend control. By streamlining these processes and partnering with flexible suppliers, businesses can maintain efficiency, meet customer needs and focus on growth while navigating this busy period.

Growing a Business

5 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business's Online Presence

Boosting your online presence in 2025 is the key to success for businesses looking to grow. Working on your branding and reputation management is important to drive more sales and improve conversion.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Marketing

He Pitched His First Business at 12 and Sold a Company for 8 Figures When He Was 23. Here's This Gen Z Marketing Expert's Next Big Move.

Griffin Haddrill built a marketing empire working with artists like Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X. Learn how he tapped into Gen Z's digital culture and turned viral campaigns into a business model.