Consent to Immunization
There are no Federal or California State requirements for informed consent specifically relating to immunization.
Federal law requires that healthcare staff provide a
Vaccine information Statement to a patient, parent, or legal representative before each dose of certain vaccines.
California law permits minors 12 years and older to consent to confidential medical services for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) without parental consent.
Thimerosal (Mercury) Law
Thimerosal, used to prevent contamination of multi-dose vials of vaccines, contains mercury. California law prohibits administering mercury-containing vaccines to pregnant women or to children younger than three years of age. All routine vaccines are available in formulations that meet the law.
Report to the Legislature - The Immunization Status of Young Children in California
Licensing