RMHC Global Position on Vaccination Mandates and COVID Safety Protocols

At Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the vulnerable population of children we serve, their families, RMHC staff, volunteers and communities is always our top priority.

RMHC provides vital support and resources to families with hospitalized infants and children, many of whom are immunocompromised…and often staying in congregate living facilities, like Ronald McDonald House programs, in 62 countries and regions around the world.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, RMHC has, and will continue to provide program standards and guidance to local Chapters with a focus on delivering mission in the safest way possible. This means following the known measures that help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including vaccinations and boosters, testing, masks and face coverings, limited mobility in and around the community, stringent cleaning and disinfection and social distancing guidelines.

Each local RMHC Chapter faces different circumstances—from unique populations served to differences in vaccine availability and access—and Chapters work in close partnership with local health authorities, hospitals, and local Boards to set policies in alignment with those provided by RMHC Global. For that reason, it is a local Chapter decision whether or not to mandate vaccinations of RMHC guest families. Since vaccinations have been proven to limit the spread of the virus and reduce severity of disease, RMHC Global strongly recommends that local Chapters require vaccination of all eligible staff, families and visitors to RMHC program spaces, including recommended boosters when individuals are eligible.

Our pledge at RMHC is to support children and families as they access critical health care services—and to ensure that they are kept safe in RMHC program spaces. When families are not able to stay at an RMH program, many Chapters provide alternative support, services and accommodations, when possible.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Ronald McDonald House Charities has continued to serve millions of children and their families around the world. We will continue to navigate this challenging time together as a system to deliver mission in the safest way possible.