South Carolina

As a minor in South Carolina, can you consent to vaccinations?

 

The actual law:

Any minor who has reached the age of sixteen years may consent to any health services from a person authorized by law to render the particular health service for himself and the consent of no other person shall be necessary unless such involves an operation which shall be performed only if such is essential to the health or life of such child in the opinion of the performing physician and a consultant physician if one is available.

SC Code § 63-5-340

What this means:

In South Carolina, minors who are 16 years old or older do not need their parent’s consent to receive all healthcare services, including vaccinations.

Note: Minors can receive some health care services without parental consent in Title X-funded clinics. Call a nearby clinic to see if they will administer vaccinations without parental consent or your state health department for more information.

Find clinics near you below.

How does this apply to Covid-19 vaccinations?

 

In South Carolina, the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control has affirmed the right of minors who are age 16 years old or older to receive a Covid-19 vaccine without parental consent.

Source

Note: At this time, minors must be 12 years of age or older to get vaccinated against Covid-19 in the U.S. and are only approved to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Title-X Clinics

Minors can receive some health care services without parental consent in Title X-funded clinics. Call a nearby clinic to see if they will administer vaccinations without parental consent or your state health department for more information.