12-Year-Old Relative of VP JD Vance Denied Heart Transplant Due to Vaccine Policy

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital requires COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for transplant eligibility, conflicting with the family's religious beliefs.

Adaline Deal, a 12-year-old with two severe heart conditions, was denied placement on a heart transplant list at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital due to her unvaccinated status.
The hospital mandates COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for transplant patients to reduce the risk of life-threatening infections in immunosuppressed individuals.
Adaline’s parents, citing religious and medical objections, refused to vaccinate her, stating their decision was guided by their faith as non-denominational Christians.
The family has raised over $58,000 through a crowdfunding campaign and is exploring alternative transplant centers without vaccine requirements.
Medical experts emphasize that transplant recipients face heightened risks from infections, particularly in the first year post-transplant, underscoring the hospital’s vaccination policy.