Alberta Health Services
Health Information
Parental consent for minors under the age of 18 is required. In some circumstances, a minor may be determined to be a mature minor who has the capacity to consent to being immunized on their own behalf. This is determined on a case by case basis.
Prior to receiving their immunization, minors (under 18 years of age) if who are not deemed a mature minor will require parent/guardian consent. If the parent/guardian is in attendance, verbal consent is appropriate. If a parent/guardian cannot be in attendance, a consent form can be signed and provided if they are not deemed a mature minor to the immunizer prior to administering the vaccine. This form can be found at Consent for COVID-19 Immunization.
The parental consent form can be viewed or downloaded electronically. However, electronic signatures or submitting the signed consent form electronically is not possible at this time.
Parents are asked to print the consent form, sign it, and send it with the youth, or individual accompanying the youth, to the immunization appointment.
A parent can accompany a youth to their immunization, but if the parent is unable to attend the appointment, the minor can bring a signed consent form. Verbal consent from the parent/guardian at the time of the appointment is preferred.
In some circumstances, a youth under the age of 18 may be determined to be a mature minor who has the capacity to consent to being immunized on their own behalf.
This is determined by each healthcare provider and takes into consideration a number of factors including age, and ability to understand the benefits and risk of the vaccine.
Providing immunization for a mature minor and the assessment leading to this decision by the attending immunizer is done on a case by case basis.
