Q. Who in Texas can consent to immunization of minors?

A. The state has a strong public policy interest in encouraging immunization of minors. Accordingly, the list of people who can consent to immunization is expansive:

• Parents, married or divorced, or otherwise;
• A guardian; and
• A person authorized by another state or a court order to consent for the child.

If any of the above is not available, you may look to the following for consent to immunizations:

• Grandparents;
• Adult brother or sister;
• Adult aunt or uncle;
• Stepparent of the child;
• Any educational institution in which the minor is enrolled and has written authorization from someone having power to consent;
• Another adult who has actual care, control, and possession of the minor and has written authorization from the parent or other person authorized to consent;
• A court with jurisdiction over the child while a divorce or other custody-type suit is pending; or
• Another adult who is the child's primary care giver and has written authorization from the parent or other person authorized to consent.

In addition, a person who may consent to immunization of a child may delegate that authority to the child's grandparents; adult brother or sister; adult aunt or uncle; stepparent; or another adult who has actual care, control, and possession of the child.

For more information about treating minors, turn to this TMA resource:

• " Consent for Treatment of Minors ," a paper from TMA's Office of General Counsel.

Content reviewed: 3/13/2007

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