Teens don’t need parents’ nod for Covid jabs: Official

Teens don’t need parents’ nod for Covid jabs: Official

Umesh.Isalkar@timesgroup.com

23.01.2022

Pune: Consent from parents — written or oral — is not required for teenage Covid vaccination in the 15-17 age group, state immunization officer Dr Sachin Desai confirmed on Sunday.

“There is a lot of confusion over seeking parents’ consent prior to vaccinating adolescents. But as per the Union government’s norms, parents’ consent is not required,” Dr Desai said. The issue of con- sent had cropped up soon after vaccination for teens was announced on school and college premises.

“Schools are under the impression that they need parents’ written or oral consent before vaccinating their teenage students. But that's not the case,” Dr Desai said, adding that registration on the CoWIN portal before getting the shot is considered consent. “So schools should not compel students to bring consent letters from parents,” he said. The senior of- ficial also said the rule applies not only for vaccination at school or college premises, but at hospital-based vaccine centres too.

Senior paediatrician Dr Pramod Jog, a member of the Covid task force, said, “Although parents’ written consent is not required, it is advisable that the parents accompany the child at the time of taking the Covid shot. This will bolster the confidence of the vaccinator at the vaccination centre. Besides, a parent’s physical presence is great mental support as well. ”