WIC requiring vax "exemption" form

[eloise24]

Okay, so I know that WIC is not dependent on vax status.  We've had no problems for over a year now, just saying we don't vax. 

But now they are telling me that I have to bring in an exemption form for my next appointment (they purposefully scheduled it for one month from now, to bring that paper). 

First, they told me I have to get it from the doctor (which is wrong . . .they aren't the health department). 

Second, I'm pretty sure it's not something I'm (legally) required to do.  (I'm in Florida)

But I don't want to go in without proof of this- is there somewhere that I can link to the law?  Is there some kind of religious exemption form I can write up myself (they didn't SAY it had to be from the health department )?  It's not the end of the world to have to go to the health department, but that's a whole morning trip I'd rather not take if I don't have to.

Thanks ladies, for all your help!

Erika
 

[ma2two]

Print this from the USDA's website.

"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/benefitsandservices/immunization.HTM

[Turquesa]

Here are your state laws re: vaccines and exemptions.

http://www.immunizeflorida.org/community/law.htm

In your shoes, I'd call before the appointment and say politely, "I guess I'm a little confused.  I don't see anything in Florida state law requiring an exemption form form for WIC benefits.  Could you please point me toward that law?"

It is very likely that they will say that it's not a law but an "administrative rule."  Those aren't legally enforceable, however. 

"Well, I guess if there isn't an actual law, I'm going to go ahead and pass on the exemption form and cancel this appointment.  I do know that federal law requires that qualified families receive WIC benefits regardless of vaccination status."

They won't dare withhold your benefits.  But if it looks like a losing battle, write a statement to this effect:

"Pursuant to NO specified Florida statute, I am claiming religious exemption to the following vaccines...I understand that according to Fla. Stat. § 1003.22, exemptions are required only for school admission and calls for any written statement from a parent.  I also understand that federal law [as referenced in Ma2Two's post] prohibits the withholding of WIC benefits based on vaccination status.  Signed, Me." 

[sosurreal09]

They told me I had to go on the "National no vax list" I ended up stopping WIC b/c I didn't want to be on any government list...

[eloise24]

Thanks for the ideas- I have to go to the appointment in order for them to print my checks . . . I know they can't withhold but I'm dreadful about confrontation (go figure that's basically what I get paid to do . . .).  So my plan is to type out that basic looking little statement and tell them if they need a paper for their files, they can add that to it. 

I figure it's in m own benefit that they told me to go to the DOCTOR for an exemption form . . . since doctor's can't provide them and my poor doctor's office was frustrated that WIC keeps telling people to do that.  So I'll type up the paper and tell them that Doctor's can't provide exemption forms but here is a paper for your file.

Does that seem like a good idea? 

[ma2two]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

They told me I had to go on the "National no vax list" I ended up stopping WIC b/c I didn't want to be on any government list...

That disgusts me that they lied to you like that.

[emmy526]

Originally Posted by ma2two 

Quote:

That disgusts me that they lied to you like that.

social service agencies do it all the time, and sometimes it is unknowingly... a lot of these workers are just drones repeating the status quo of what they've been told to say to clients. they really have no idea what the laws are.... It's up to the parent to educate themselves on the issue and step back and think about what they are being told by these self proclaimed 'All Informed Servers Of The Public'..