Teens 16 and Above Can Get Vaccinated Without Parental Consent

Teenagers in South Carolina who are aged 16 and above can get vaccinated without parental consent for COVID-19. This was confirmed by the state health authorities on Wednesday, March 31.

According to a statement issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Code of Laws of South Carolina confirms this. As per this law, anyone who has attained the age of sixteen can seek suitable health services for his or her person. In doing so, the person will not need the consent of any parent or guardian.

The law is titled ‘Minor’s Consent to Health Services’ and is included under Title 63 of the state Code of Laws. The state’s Senior Deputy of Public Health cited the law and stated that although 16-year-olds and teens above this age are encouraged to talk to their parents and families about getting vaccinated, they can get vaccinated without parental consent. 

Teens 16 and above also don’t need to be accompanied by anyone when going to a designated healthcare facility and getting vaccinated.

A number of COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in South Carolina. As of now, nearly 2 million vaccine shots have been given and the vaccination program remains in full swing. The leading vaccine option for most people in South Carolina and across the United States is the vaccine produced by Pfizer. This vaccine has also demonstrated positive results in preliminary studies, although these findings are yet to be peer-reviewed.

Other vaccines available in South Carolina include those made by Johnson & Johnson and Moderna. However, only the Pfizer vaccine is designated to be available for young people aged 16 and above. The vaccines from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are not authorized to be used on people aged under 18.

For more information, contact a South Carolina family lawyer.

Source: https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vaccine/teens-ages-16-and-17-dont-need-parents-consent-to-get-vaccinated-in-south-carolina/101-a8a4ba14-bdfc-4956-b2d3-ffd2c1896a63