Since 15 June 2021, the vaccination is open to teenagers aged 12 to 17. Practically speaking, who decides whether a minor should be vaccinated?
As a matter of principle, any uncommon medical act performed on a minor requires the consent of both parents as they are the minor’s legal guardians. This principle is set out at articles 371-1 and 372-2 of the Civil Code.
However, as far as the vaccination against Covid-19 is concerned, since Law No 2021-1040 dated 15 August 2021 came into force, the consent of one parent only is sufficient. The Health Ministry has indeed updated the consent form on its website (https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/fiche_-_autorisation_parentale_vaccin_covid-19.pdf). Before that date, both parents’ consent was required.
You should note that for teenagers aged 16 or more, no parental consent is required.
Any teenager under 16 can go alone to a vaccination centre. In such case, (s)he should have a parental authorisation form signed by at least one parent.
In summary, and this is a matter of importance for separated or divorced parents- should they disagree, the parent in favour of vaccination will have the last word! The parent who is opposed to the vaccination has no means whatsoever to prevent his/her child from being vaccinated.