Oklahoma Senate Bill SB279

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Parental rights; creating the Parental Rights Immunization Act; requiring certain informed consent prior to vaccinating child. Effective date.

Impact

The legislation aims to establish a clear protocol for obtaining consent, ensuring that parents are fully informed about the benefits and risks associated with vaccinations. Under SB279, health care providers are required to furnish certain information to parents, including a copy of the Vaccine Information Statement, the CDC's Vaccine Injury Table, and other relevant resources that highlight contraindications and potential side effects. This requirement is intended to bolster transparency and empower parents in making informed health decisions for their children.

Summary

Senate Bill 279, known as the Parental Rights Immunization Act, introduces significant changes to the vaccination process for minors in Oklahoma. The bill mandates that health care providers must obtain informed consent from a legal representative or an adult authorized by law before administering any vaccines that are part of the Vaccine Injury Table established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This measure reflects a growing movement to enhance parental control over medical decisions concerning their children, specifically in relation to vaccinations.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB279 center on issues of parental rights versus public health responsibilities. Proponents argue that the bill reinforces parental authority and addresses concerns about informed consent, especially in light of varying opinions about vaccine safety. Opponents, however, worry that strict consent requirements may complicate vaccination efforts and potentially hinder public health initiatives aimed at ensuring higher immunization rates among children. The tension between these perspectives highlights the complexities involved in aligning individual rights with community health obligations.