The bill S. 343 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding a new section, 44-29-175, which establishes an informed consent protocol specifically for the administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Under this new protocol, healthcare providers must verbally inform individuals receiving the vaccine about its status as a new vaccine, the presence of bacterial plasmid DNA fragments in its formulation, and the unknown long-term safety of the vaccine. Additionally, individuals must sign a written notice acknowledging this information before receiving the vaccine.

This legislation emphasizes the importance of informed consent by ensuring that recipients are fully aware of the vaccine's characteristics and potential risks. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor, reinforcing the state's commitment to transparency and patient autonomy in healthcare decisions related to COVID-19 vaccination.

Statutes affected:
02/13/2025: 44-29-175
Latest Version: 44-29-175