Connecticut bill would let children as young as 12 get vaccines without parental consent – By Lauren Sforza (The Hill) / Jan 18, 2023
A bill introduced to the Connecticut state legislature on Tuesday would allow children ages 12 and older to receive vaccines without a parent’s approval.
The bill, proposed by state Rep. Kevin Ryan (D), would amend Connecticut’s general statute and allow a child 12 years or older to get a vaccine without the consent of their parent or guardian, if passed. The bill was referred back to the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Health on Tuesday.
In Connecticut, a child under the age of 18 needs verbal or written consent of a parent or guardian to receive general medical care, including vaccines.
Washington D.C., passed a similar law in 2021 that allowed a child who is at least 11 years old receive a vaccine without a parent or guardian’s consent. Other states have varying minor health care consent laws; for example, a child in Oregon who is at least 15 years can consent to medical care, including immunizations.
