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:
TMA Practice E-tips main page
Last Updated On
September 28, 2022
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010