Can I lie to WIC re: vaccinations?

[skybluepink02]

I'm very slowly and selectively vaccinating my kids. I know when I go in there, they will want their shot records and will make a big deal if they aren't vaccinated "properly". Can I just "forget" my shot records and say they're fully vaccinated? Or can I claim a religious exemption even though they have some vaccinations and will have more in the future?

Thanks for your help!

[AllysonB]

Depending on your state you should be able to get a religious waiver or another waiver for some states. They did not ask me, but it is not a requirement, they cannot not help you because of this. They do suggest it, but they cannot turn you away.

[leavemealone]

I didn't give any information to the WIC office. Even though it was on their postcard that they sent out with a reminder of the info to bring, they never asked for it. If they had, I would have just told the truth. They cannot refuse you on vax status if you otherwise qualify.

[laohaire]

From my understanding - and I could be wrong - they want the record as a proof of identification.

Some workers might actually give you a hard time about it, but you are NOT required to vaccinate your child to receive WIC. Not everyone understands that, but you can dig in your heels as needed.

I'd take the record in as is and dare anyone to have a problem with it.

[TwinMomPlus]

Mine has never asked for that....?

If you know for sure they ask for it, then you probably can't lie. There may be a waiver you can fill out. But just so you know, only religious waivers are accepted once your LO gets to school.

[major_mama11]

I didn't have DS's shot record when I applied for WIC a few months ago. They have a way of looking up vax records online in my state, so they used that, but they didn't say a word about DS being behind on his shots.

[xmysticprincessx]

They just ask for the vax record as a form of ID for your kids, since its not like they have driver's licenses. Just bring their social security cards or birth certificates instead as their form of ID. Some moms on here just say their kids are up to date on their shots if asked (to avoid a lecture), an others are honest and have no problems. Its up to you.

[lrpurro]

Our office has asked for it, but each time, I have just said that we do not
vaccinate and that our family doctor is aware of that. No one has ever said
anything other than to ask if we brought the vax record with us.

If you look at the federal WIC guidelines, it specifically states that they cannot base your approval on vaccination status.

[mamadelbosque]

Sure you can lie, but as others have pointed out, theres no reason to - they can't deny you wic based on vax status. And the vax records are really only used as a form of ID. Just bring something eles - birth cert, soc security card, medical card, etc

[blessedwithboys]

they cant deny you, and personally, i wouldnt hand over a religious exemption bc those are intended for school entry only. to me, giving a copy to WIC, the ped, or any other entity would feel like i was somehow admitting that vax were "required" for whatever.

[jildez]

i agree, no reason to lie. I just say that i have decided to vaccinate in my pediatrician's office and leave it at that, no records, no further concern. if they want more info, say you don't want the big combo shots- that's what htey vax with.

[jessaroo]

My ds has been on WIC. He is selectively vaccinated. I have not had a problem. I brought in the shot record that I have. I had asked about this on the phone before I went into the clinic. The office told me that the shot record is basically your proof of your child.

[skybluepink02]

Thanks! I feel much better about going in. I'm a very non-confrontational person, but I really need to get better about that. I'm glad to know it's not required, if they ask me about it.

[theboysmama]

we always just told them we didn't vax and it wasn't a problem than last time they told me I had to bring it in and i said oh, we don't vax and they said they needed it for id so i brought it in w/ 2 vaxes on it. Then they said it was not for id and that the state was requiring that we had it so they could make sure everyone was up to date on their shots. We just brought in the exemption that we use for pre-school and that was fine. I think it depends on the state/office/and who is working.

[jessaroo]

yes, I think it is just for ID. So you will need to bring something in.

[phathui5]

We've always "forgotten" to take vaccination records to WIC.

[-Grace-]

Vax records aren't for ID. WIC is a nutrition and health program, and they like the vax records just to have the record. If you don't vax, the shouldn't give you a hard time for it. If anyone does, it's that individual being a pain. WIC doesn't require vaccinating a child. So there's no need to lie. If you say you forgot, they'll check the box on the form for what you need to bring next time that gets stapled to your folder. So they'll ask again. I just told them truthfully that I won't be vaccinating, and so they didn't bother checking the spot or what I need to bring next time.

[kerc]

for whatever reason it was never a big deal for us. In situations where someone (WIC, School, whatever) asked me, I always brought a shot record + made sure my doc signed it --- I was under supervised medical care and he as a doc thought delayed and selected vax was a responsible response to the situation.