Can youth provide their own consent for the COVID-19 vaccine?

In general, parental consent for health care in BC is sought for children 12 years of age and younger. However, there is no legal age of consent for health care in BC. Children and youth under 19 years of age can legally consent to or refuse vaccinations on their own behalf if they demonstrate capability. This is called "mature minor consent".

 

"Mature minor consent" is the consent a child or youth gives to receive health care after the child has been assessed by a healthcare provider as having the necessary understanding to give consent. For more information about mature minor consent for vaccines, refer to the HealthLinkBC File: The Infants Act, Mature Minor Consent and Immunization.