Consent For Vaccination Of Minors
District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 03/21/2022 11:02 PM EDTHaving trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
“A recent court order has changed the options you have for obtaining consent for minors (under age 18) to be vaccinated in the District of Columbia. Please see the attached letter from DC Health for additional information.”
To: Vaccination Providers
From: DC Health
Date: March 21, 2022
Subject: Consent For Vaccination Of Minors
Dear Providers,
A recent court order has changed the options you have for obtaining consent for minors (under age 18) to be vaccinated in the District of Columbia.
The Minor Consent for Vaccinations Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Law 23-0193) became effective March 21, 2021. This law, which is codified at 22-B DCMR § 600.9, states a minor aged 11 years or older may consent to receive vaccine if the minor is capable of meeting the informed consent standard, the vaccine is recommended by the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the vaccine will be provided in accordance with ACIP’s recommended immunization schedule.
On Friday, March 18, 2022, United States District Judge Trevor McFadden issued a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of this law pending further court orders.
At this time, government providers, including government contractors and sub-grantees, may only vaccinate minors under the age of 18 with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. While Judge McFadden’s orders currently do not apply to non-government providers, allowing a minor to receive a vaccine without consent from a parent or guardian is now questionable. You should consult with your attorney if you wish to vaccinate a minor without consent of a parent or guardian. This applies to all vaccines, including vaccines against COVID-19.