When the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages 12 and above, Oregon was quick to adopt the guidelines. On May 13, minors in that age range became eligible for vaccines across the state — a hopeful step toward eventually ending the pandemic.
But at least a few Oregon counties, including Yamhill and Linn, are refusing to provide vaccines to youth age 15 and older unless they have parental consent. State legislators are pushing back saying, legally, those 15 to 17 years old can consent to their own medical care, then they become legal adults at age 18. The counties involved argue the law is vague and does not apply to vaccinations, leading to an ongoing discussion of civil rights and legal obligations.