The bill proposed by state Representative Kevin Ryan would amend Connecticut’s general law, and allow children twelve years or older to get a vaccine without parental consent. A few weeks ago, the bill was referred back to the state’s Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Health.  The current law in Connecticut is that a child who is under eighteen needs verbal or written consent of  parent or guardian to receive general medical care. This includes vaccines. 

In 2021, Washington D.C. passed a similar law stating a child eleven and over could receive a vaccine without parent or guardian consent. Other states also have similar laws. For example, a child in Oregon who is at least fifteen years old can consent to any medical care. This includes immunizations. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in early February that childhood vaccinations fell in the 2021-2022 school year. The Center said that coverage for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine was the lowest in a decade. Coverage for chicken pox and polio was also on the decline. 

It is still to be determined whether Connecticut will pass the bill or not. Many other states have been thinking about passing the bill for themselves. 

Cites 

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3818347-connecticut-bill-would-let-children-as-young-as-12-get-vaccines-without-parental-consent/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Flive%2F2021%2F05%2F03%2Fworld%2Fcovid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases&psig=AOvVaw2jBVBGAGMK83y316SQkU1-&ust=1678379251500000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCKja4YzgzP0CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAX