Make-A-Wish Is Still Granting Wishes To Unvaccinated Children

5th July 2021

Make-A-Wish Is Still Granting Wishes To Unvaccinated Children

The circulating video was edited to remove important information (Getty Images).

The Claim

The Make-A-Wish foundation will be requiring children and their families to be vaccinated if they want a “wish” granted.

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Emerging story

Make-A-Wish, the non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the desires of children who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses, was criticized for allegedly adopting a strict stance on vaccinations. Rumors stated that Make-A-Wish would mandate that both children and their parents need to be fully vaccinated if they want a wish to come true. Several viral tweets questioned and/or condemned the charity organization, even comedian Rob Schneider stating that he will “never work with them again” if they are discriminating against unvaccinated children.

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Misbar’s Analysis

According to Make-A-Wish’s “Statement About Reemergence and Granting Wishes for every Eligible Child,” the foundation will not be withholding wishes from unvaccinated children and their families. The president and CEO, Richard Davis said that the foundation is aware that not all people want to receive the vaccine or give it to their children and that they “respect everyone’s freedom of choice.” He made this statement in the original circulating video, but it was edited out when it went viral.

During the one-minute-and-fifteen-second-long clip, Davis, states that the foundation will once again be granting wishes involving “air travel within U.S. territories” and “large gatherings” starting on September 15, but only if all participants (including minors) are two weeks past their final vaccine shots.

Davis goes on to say that the foundation will not be checking for proof of vaccination but rather will require the guardians of any minors involved to sign a “letter of understanding” which signifies that they understand any risks associated with traveling or large gatherings. Effectively, the foundation will be taking participants' word that they are vaccinated at face value.

Current guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that everyone twelve years old or older get vaccinated as soon as possible. While vaccine trials for children younger than twelve are still ongoing, some Americans remain resolute in their denial of any and all Covid-19 vaccines.