It's true, your teen doesn't need your permission to get the Covid-19 vaccine

As parents we want the best for our kids. This includes keeping them safe from illness, and for many of us that means taking our children for various immunisation shots when they are little. 

So now that they are able to get vaccinated against Covid-19, many parents are excited and are gearing up to take their 12 to 17-year-old kids to their nearest vaccination centre.

Some parents, though, have reservations and may decide that vaccination isn't the right thing for their child now. Some have questions about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine, while others have decided that it's an unnecessary procedure as teens are less likely than adults to fall seriously ill with Covid.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that vaccinating these young people will help reduce absenteeism in classrooms and lower the risk of Covid outbreaks in schools.

This group will be given one dose of the Pfizer vaccine.   

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Permissions

Teens, who make up 11% of South Africa’s population, do not need their parents permission to get this vaccine, as according to the Children’s Act children between 12 and 17 years old can consent to medical treatment and surgery.

For example, as the Act stipulates, children in this age group can also consent to terminating a pregnancy.

This means that teens are able to arrive at any vaccination centre and request they receive their dose without a parent's express permission. 

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When and where

The Department of Health's acting director general, Nicholas Crisp, explained that these teens will not be vaccinated at school premises this year, adding that the country’s vaccination programme may expand to include this option in 2022.

Adolescents will for now be able to go to any private or public vaccination site to get their shot, after registering from 20 October 2021. 

To learn more about the Covid-19 vaccine, visit Health24 here.

Also read: A lawyer explains children getting vaccinated without parental consent 

Let us know what you think of the vaccine and whether you will be vaccinating your children against Covid-19. Share your thoughts and questions with us via email at chatback@parent24.com. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

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