‘Teens Choose Vaccines Act’ Could Allow Young People 12 And Over To Get Vaccinated Without Parental Consent

Senate Bill 866, which would allow minors to receive vaccinations without permission from their parents has passed the California Assembly Judiciary Committee, and is headed to the Assembly.

With COVID-19 vaccines causing rifts between parents and children since vaccines first became available in 2021, Senate Bill 866 endorses a teen’s right to choose, regardless of parental consent. 

“(Under SB 866), a minor 12 years of age or older may consent to a vaccine that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and meets the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP) without the consent of the parent or guardian of the minor,” reads the bill.

First introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and passed through the Assembly Judiciary Committee in June, SB 866 could allow young people 12 years and older to get vaccinated without parental consent – a proposal prompting controversy throughout the state. 

Existing California Law

As young people 12 and over already have the ability to make critical decisions about their bodies without parental consent – from receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B vaccines to accessing reproductive healthcare –  the bill would expand existing law to access all vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Under existing law, preteens and teens ages 12 to 17 cannot be vaccinated without parental consent, unless in the case of preventing a sexually transmitted disease, according to the FDA. 

Vaccine barriers pose risks to overall teen health and wellness, according to SB 866, most commonly observed in family dynamics that possess conflicting views regarding vaccines, or in cases where a child is experiencing neglect. 

The bill is also expected to ease work schedules for parents, in cases where parents work long hours in order to make ends meet, and cannot afford to take off the time to take their child to a vaccination site, according to SB 866.

While the young age requirements may seem shocking to some – with children able to make these decisions before being eligible to drive or vote – teens ages 12 to 17 can already receive birth control, abortions, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, help with drug abuse as well as aid in injuries stemming from sexual assaults and violence – all without parental consent in California. 

Opposition To SB 866 

With COVID-19 vaccinations highly urged in classrooms across the country since the height of the pandemic, some parents are concerned about potential side effects from the newly developed vaccines, as well as the impact of allowing minors to make health decisions, which some view as a violation of their parental rights.

“Bill authors reason that this is just expanding the health rights that minors already have,” read an official statement from the Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids (PERK.) “But really, this bill exposes children to unnecessary risk and coercion.”

Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, also does not support this bill.

“This bill circumvents the rights of parents to determine what is in the best interest of their child’s health,” Wilk said. “It is a one-size-fits-all approach to vaccination and does not take in to account the varying maturity levels or health factors of individual children.”

For those looking to speak up against SB 866, follow PERK’s guidelines here. 

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or send an email to news@hometownstation.com. Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking KHTS Santa Clarita News Alerts delivered right to your inbox. Report a typo or error, email Corrections@hometownstation.com

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.