In New PA Bill, Kids Could Get Vaccine Without Parental Approval

HARRISBURG, PA - Legislation poised to be introduced in the state senate would allow teens 14 and older to consent to receiving various vaccinations without parental approval.

Sen. Amanda Cappelletti of Montgomery County said the legislation would be similar to the state’s mental health law that allows those 14 and older to consent to inpatient mental health treatment.

"I will be introducing legislation to allow people age 14 or over to consent to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended immunizations as long as that consent is voluntary," Cappelletti wrote in a recent memo to colleagues. "Parents or guardians will not be able to override a minor’s consent for vaccination if the minor is age 14 or over."

The Pfizer vaccine this week received federal approval for use on children aged 12 to 15. Pennsylvania has begun administering shots to children in that age group. RELATED: Everything To Know As PA Opens COVID Vaccines To Some Children

"The recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule includes vaccines that have been proven to be safe, effective, and necessary to protect and promote public health," Cappellitti state in her memo. "Because we know that these vaccines are safe and effective, minors should be able to consent to CDC recommended immunizations.

"As the commonwealth works to effectively vaccinate Pennsylvanians for COVID-19, we must remember the importance of other immunizations as well, and work give minors the ability to access CDC recommended immunizations - including COVID-19."