Health Dept recommends parents accompany children for Covid jab
The Department of Health says it recommends children between the ages of 12 and 17 to be accompanied by a parent when getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
This after government announced last week that it would be scaling up its vaccination drive to this age group on Wednesday.
Children do not need their parents' consent for any medical treatment provided they are of sufficient maturity and have the mental capacity to understand the benefits and risks of the treatment.
This makes it is possible for a child between the age of 12 -17 to go for a vaccination at a health service without their parents' consent.
Health Ministry spokesperson Foster Mohale says despite the legal prescripts, government recommends some parental participation.
"Parents caregivers and legal guardians are encouraged to assist eligible young people to register and vaccinate at their public or private nearest vaccination site," says Mohale.
"It is recommended that parents have open discussions with children about the benefits of Covid-19 vaccine to make an informed health choice, and possibly accompany them when they present themselves at vaccination sites."
The rollout of vaccines will not be one at schools across the country.
"Due to preparations for final year examinations, there won't be any special vaccination sites at schools for this age group now," Mohale adds.
The cohort comprises at least 6 million young people and will be eligible to receive at least one dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
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