Quick help please. WIC and No Vax

[illumini]

I'm trying to sign up for WIC in FLorida. My appointment is on Monday. I was told that I have bring my shot records with me to qualify. DS is not vaxed. I called my ped and requested my shot records. He said because we haven't vaxxed there is nothing he can do for us. This can't be right? Help!

[kittywitty]

That's not right. Print this, highlight the part that says: "Immunization records and/or an infant/child’s immunization status are in no way tied to the receipt of WIC benefits." If they complain, tell them you would like to talk to whoever is in charge since they are not complying with policy.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/benefits...munization.HTM

[MamieCole]

I'm not sure how the WIC program differs from state to state, but when we went for our initial appointment to qualify, we had to bring proof of income, address, etc. At that appointment they gave me a form for each child that needed to be filled out by a doctor. It requested information about height, weight, breastfeeding or formula, etc. There is a line on the form that says "Vaccines up to date" w/a box to check. My doc simply did not check that box. Just signed it and filled out the rest of the info.

I took the completed forms back to WIC the next month and nothing has ever been said.

If FL has a religious or philosophical vax exemption, I would assume it would be applicable to programs like WIC as well.

[dakotablue]

Your doctor should be able to give you a record of visits and that shots weren't give during those. I think they mostly are looking for history of care, which for most/many can be proven by shots every couple months.

[blessedwithboys]

Originally Posted by MamieCole

If FL has a religious or philosophical vax exemption, I would assume it would be applicable to programs like WIC as well.

Florida has only medical and religious exemptions; however, vaccines are mandated only for admittance to school, therefore you would not use a vaccine exemption to apply for WIC. The religious exemption in FL is a form called Department of Health 681. It's sole purpose is to show the schools you are in compliance. You wouldn't give a copy to any doctor or government program, as only the school system can legally require vaccine compliance.

Just tell WIC you are opposed to vaccines. If they ask questions, remind them that their function is nutrition education (and even that's debatable! ). Let the agent know you are unwilling to receive medical advice from WIC, smile, nod, and ask when your checks will be ready.

[treeoflife3]

They do that because they offer vaccines to those who otherwise can't get them for free as far as I know. Otherwise, they legally can not turn you away for not vaxing as their job is nutrition only. If anyone tries to pressure you to get them or insists you can't be on wic without them, they are lying through their teeth.

Just have your ped's info. They really just want to know that your kid has some sort of healthcare safety net as far as I know.

[babygirlie]

I never brought any. They never asked to see anything I brought. I'm in Oregon though. It says at every appointment bring proof of income vax etc. They never ask me to prove any of it or to see it. I wouldn't worry about any dr visits. the only thing is if your child has prescription formula or diet. The Dr. simply fills out a form, but if you don't have any special diets you shouldn't worry about anything

[Emmeline II]

WIC is a federal program administered by the states. Immunizations/records are not legally required to qualify. Qualifications are #1 Nutritional Need and #2 being within the income limits. Immunization records can be used for identification and are used to make sure your child isn't "missing out" on vaccinations.

Go to the site below and print out that page and the WIC directors for your state.

"Immunization records and/or an infant/child’s immunization status are in no way tied to the receipt of WIC benefits."

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/benefits...munization.HTM

[smeep]

Originally Posted by kittywitty

That's not right. Print this, highlight the part that says: "Immunization records and/or an infant/child’s immunization status are in no way tied to the receipt of WIC benefits." If they complain, tell them you would like to talk to whoever is in charge since they are not complying with policy.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/benefits...munization.HTM

I brought it with me in case I needed it and fortunately I never even had to pull it out because they didn't hassle me about it (beyond the "I have three heads" stare and the start of a lecture to which I replied that I did extensive, thorough research and decided that, for my son, the risks of the vaccines outweighed the risks of the diseases IF he even contracted any of them). I will be bringing it when I get WIC again after this baby is born and have no problem going to their supervisors if necessary.

[bubbamummy]

My WIC lady just said 'bring shot records OR just some form of ID' I think they just want to prove the child is who you say they are. My WIC office has never seen my childrens shot records as I bring their passports along as ID.

[illumini]

Thanks for everything. I will print out the policy to bring along. I was finally able to get the Dr's office to print out what I think WIC is asking for. Hopefully it is and all will be well.

[NaturalBirthGoddes]

Originally Posted by smeep

I brought it with me in case I needed it and fortunately I never even had to pull it out because they didn't hassle me about it (beyond the "I have three heads" stare and the start of a lecture to which I replied that I did extensive, thorough research and decided that, for my son, the risks of the vaccines outweighed the risks of the diseases IF he even contracted any of them). I will be bringing it when I get WIC again after this baby is born and have no problem going to their supervisors if necessary.

Being that FL does not have philosophical exemptions...I would be very careful about how you word this. I would simply say, "It is against my religious and faith beliefs to inject any vaccines into myself or my child." and leave it at that.