DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 8.019 1 | P a g e Title: Immunization Screening and Referral Category: Certification CFR Reference Policy Number: 8.019 Effective Date December 1st, 2021 Revised Date: April 30th, 2024

POLICY STATEMENT: The Local Agency must screen all infants and children under age two for DTaP immunization status, document according to the procedures below in the participant’s record in the MIS, and provide appropriate referrals, as needed. PROCEDURE Immunization Screening At each initial certification and subsequent certification appointments, the Local Agency staff member will verify with the Authorized Representative (AR) if the infant or child is up to date on DTaP vaccinations based on the schedule below (also available in HANDS): Age Recommended number of DTaP doses 2-3 months 1 dose 4-5 months 2 doses 6-17 months 3 doses 18-24 months 4 doses

Immunization Documentation Acceptable forms of immunization status verification include a documented record that lists both the vaccination type administered and date received. This can include: • An immunization record from a medical provider • An immunization registry • An electronic medical record Missing Immunization Documentation If the immunization record is missing at the time of certification: 1. Encourage the caretaker to provide the immunization record at their next WIC appointment. 2. Provide the recommended immunization schedule for the infant or child. 3. Refer the participant to their healthcare provider or local immunization program and document this referral in the participant’s record in the MIS. Immunization Referral A referral should be provided if the AR is unsure of their infant or child’s immunization status or if the child is under-immunized (i.e. not up to date on the recommended number of DTaP doses). A referral is not needed if the AR states the family does not vaccinate. This reason must be documented both on the “Immunization” screen (under “No Assess Code”) and in the “I’ portion of the TGIF note in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.005 Nutrition Education Overview. It is additionally recommended to place a Staff Alert for the family that does not vaccinate.

DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 8.019 2 | P a g e REFERENCES FNS WIC Policy Memo #2001-7 DC WIC policy 2.005 Nutrition Education Overview ATTACHMENTS & FORMS