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IPFS News Link • Vaccines and Vaccinations

How to Get Vaccinated Without Parental Consent

• WikiHow

Last Updated: August 25, 2020

There's a lot of misinformation about vaccines online, and sometimes well-meaning parents fall into rabbit holes of conspiracy theories and made-up "facts." While they often intend to protect their children,[1] not vaccinating has the opposite effect,[2][3][4] [5] and leaves kids more vulnerable to dangerous and even deadly diseases.

Please keep in mind that while experts agree that vaccines are safer than the diseases they prevent[6] and that serious side effects are extremely rare,[7] [8] [9] it's usually good for a trustworthy adult to supervise you during and after the event. Try to tell your parents or guardians so they can help you in the unlikely event of a problem.

Method 1 - Making Plans

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1. Look at your options. Some areas let you get vaccinated without parental consent if you're a minor, and others don't.[10] Potential options include:[11]

-Get vaccinated in secret (if your local laws allow it). Run the risk of your family finding out.

-Try asking for your family to let you be vaccinated. You may be able to convince them.

-Try asking your doctor, your school nurse, or another responsible adult to help convince your family.[12]

-Petition the court for emancipation if your parents are really bad.

-Wait until you're 18 if you think that your parents would severely punish or abuse you if they learned that you disobeyed them.

Method 2 - Talk to Parents

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2. Try talking to your parents. Explain your own worries, and let them voice theirs. Make sure that it's a two-way conversation, and you show respect for their perspectives (even when they frustrate you).[13] It takes time, and often good listening skills, to change people's minds.[14] Try saying things like:

-"Why did you choose not to vaccinate me? Were you afraid something bad would happen if you did?"

-"I've read about what shingles can do to the body. I'm scared. I don't want that to happen to me."

-"I've found some research on vaccine safety. May I show it to you?"

-"I understand that people are saying a lot of scary things, and that it can be hard to figure out what's true and what isn't true. I know it must be difficult for you."

-"What could I do to show you how much this means to me?"

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