Laws vary from state to state, but many states have laws (statutes) enacted by their state legislatures that determine which persons have the legal authority to consent to medical treatments, medical procedures, and vaccinations (also known as immunizations or inoculations) of minor children (generally under the age of 18).
In Missouri, the laws regarding consent to medical treatments, procedures, and vaccinations for minor children are primarily governed by state statutes. Generally, a parent or legal guardian has the authority to consent to medical care for a minor child. However, Missouri law also allows for certain exceptions where minors can consent to their own medical treatment. For example, minors can consent to treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, sexual health services, and in some cases, mental health services, without parental consent. Additionally, Missouri has specific statutes regarding the consent for vaccinations, which typically require parental consent unless the minor is legally emancipated or falls under an exception that allows them to consent to their own health care. It's important to note that the age of majority in Missouri is 18, at which point individuals are considered adults for the purposes of medical consent.