Virginia - teens for vaccines

Can minors receive vaccinations in Virginia without parental consent?

Minors in Virginia currently cannot consent to vaccinations, unless they are emancipated in a court hearing. A minor 16 years old and above can apply for emancipation if (1) married or has been married; or (ii) on active military duty; or (iii) lives separate and apart from parents or guardian, with the consent or acquiescence of the parents or guardian, and is capable of supporting himself and competently managing their own financial affairs; or (iv) desires to enter into a valid marriage and requirements of § 16.1-333.1 are met (Virginia Code § 16.1 – 331).

All other minors need parental/legal guardian consent for vaccinations.

Call your county health department and let them know about your situation to make sure you know your options.

As always, we recommend our guide to convincing vaccine-hesitant parents and sharing personal stories of teens getting vaccinations.

Note: A bill SB-104 was introduced in December 2019 by Senator Barbara A. Favola for minors ages 14 years and older to get vaccinations without parental consent, but in January 2020, it was stricken down. We plan to find out more.

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia?

Parental/legal guardian consent is required.

Call (877) 829-4682, (877) VAX-IN-VA, or find a clinic at https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/. We can help you if needed.

You can also text GETVAX (438829) for English or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish to receive three vaccine sites on your phone within seconds. You can also call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline at 1-800-232-0233.

Also, good to have your county health department address and phone number.

Got questions on the COVID-19 vaccine? Need to convince parents?

Q & A with doctors on why the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for teens

Our guide to convincing vaccine-hesitant parents

Personal stories of teens getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Are you caught-up on your routine vaccinations?

Vaccinations every teen must know about - Tdap, HPV, Men-ACWY, Men-B, and Flu

**Legal Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. Medical and/or legal decisions must be made only in consultation with a professional.