In some places in the US and Canada kids can vouch for themselves.
Getting the vaccine is all about personal choice as an adult. If you are below the age of legal consent in your region, however, things are a bit different. Do teenagers need parental permission to get a coronavirus vaccine?
The answer to this questions can differ depending on where you live. In some places yes, and others, no. Here is a look at what applies in the US and Canada.
Parental Consent in the US
According to a report on CNN.com, every state but a few require youth aged 12 to 15 to get parental or guardian consent in order to receive a coronavirus vaccine. In Alabama, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee the rules are slightly different. Each of these states either allows youths to consent for themselves, or consent requirements are left in the hands of those providing the vaccines.
Sometimes, additional rules also apply. For example, CVS Health requires parents or legal guardians to provide consent for people aged 12 to 15. These youth also need to be accompanied by an adult to get their shot.
Related: Will Virtual Wellness Stick Around?
If you are unsure what the rules are in your area, call your local vaccine provider or your doctor.
For a list of major retailers administering coronavirus vaccines in the US, click here.
What’s Going on In Canada
What is going on north of the border? The scene is a bit different. Many areas in Canada require youth aged 12 to 15 to obtain parental consent for the vaccine but not all. In some places there are no age restrictions at all. For example, British Columbia has something called Mature Minor Consent. This allows for anyone to consent to their own medical treatment. These rules are all part of BC’s Infants Act which states that children can consent to their own medical treatment if the health care provider is certain the decision is in the child’s best interest. The child also needs to understand what is being done and what are the risks and benefits of the treatment.
In Ontario there is a similar situation. The province’s Health Care Consent Act indicates there is no minimum age to consent to getting a vaccine. Kids do not need their parents’ approval. This means teens can now sign up for their own shot.
Check out these links to find out what is required in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon..
How Teens Can Benefit From the Coronavirus Vaccine
While most kids who fall sick with COVID-19 have a mild case and recover quickly, getting kids vaccinated against the virus is important. Kids can spread COVID-19 easily. This is especially true when they are attending school in-person. In order to end the pandemic it is crucial that everyone who can be vaccinated against the virus gets their shot. If you have concerns about getting the vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.
photo credits: Alexxndr/Shutterstock.com
