Senate Approves Bill Requiring Parental Consent for Minors to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Raleigh, N.C. — Today the N.C. Senate approved legislation requiring written consent from a parent or legal guardian for a minor to receive a vaccine that is approved for emergency use but not yet fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That includes the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Parents know their children the best. They, not the government, should have the ultimate say when it comes to their child’s health,” Sen. Joyce Krawiec (R-Forsyth) said. “Just like other healthcare decisions, parents and their children should talk with their doctor before getting any vaccine.”

House Bill 96 passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the House for consideration. The bill also increases the number of vaccines and medications that immunizing pharmacists can administer.