Rhode Island
As a minor in Rhode Island, can you consent to vaccinations?
The actual law:
Any person of the age of sixteen (16) or over or married may consent to routine, emergency, medical or surgical care.
RIGL § 23-4.6-1
What this means:
In Rhode Island, minors who are 16 years old or older do not need their parent’s consent to receive all healthcare services, including vaccinations.
Note: Minors can receive some health care services without parental consent in Title X-funded clinics. Call a nearby clinic to see if they will administer vaccinations without parental consent or your state health department for more information.
Find clinics near you below.
How does this apply to Covid-19 vaccinations?
In Rhode Island, the state’s Department of Health has affirmed the right of minors who are age 16 years old or older to receive a Covid-19 vaccine without parental consent.
Note: At this time, minors must be 12 years of age or older to get vaccinated against Covid-19 in the U.S. and are only approved to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Title-X Clinics
Minors can receive some health care services without parental consent in Title X-funded clinics. Call a nearby clinic to see if they will administer vaccinations without parental consent or your state health department for more information.