12-17-year-olds need parental consent, but not doctor’s prescription to get vaccinated

MIAMI VALLEY — Ohio changed its policy, requiring 12-year-olds to have a doctor’s prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy.

Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 6 into law Friday.

It allows 12-year-olds to get vaccinated at pharmacies without a prescription, effective immediately.

However, those ages 12-17 still need parental consent to get vaccinated, no matter the location.

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“A parent or legal guardian generally should accompany the minor to receive the vaccine, unless the administration of the vaccine occurs in a physician’s office, school-based or school-associated clinic setting or similar setting,” Alicia Shoults, an Ohio Department of Health spokesperson said.

Laurie Fox, the public information officer for Greene County Public Health, is urging people to get the shots.

“We want to encourage everybody to get vaccinated,” Laurie Fox, public information officer for Greene County Public Health said.

However, she recognizes not all parents are comfortable with their children getting the shots.

The most recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey found, 19 percent of parents will definitely not allow their children to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“That’s our job then to try to educate those parents on the importance of the vaccine, the efficacy,” Fox said. “Let them know that their child’s going to be safe. It has been proven effective. It’s been tested.”

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14-year-old Aoife Sullivan from Oakwood is looking forward to getting vaccinated.

“I’m a little nervous it was going to hurt. But other than that I’m just really excited,” Sullivan said.

She said she has her parents’ support to get the shots.

“They’re happy because I’ll be safer going out in public with a lower risk of getting sick,” Sullivan said.

Fox is thinking toward the future as more people get vaccinated.

“I think really this is the key, these vaccinations are the weapon that we need to get rid of this virus,” Fox said.

Cox Media Group