Page 269

3608 Volume III | Chapter 3

REQUIREMENTS Appropriate immunizations are required for all children who receive TANF benefits according to the plan recommended by the HHS National Vaccine Program and approved by the State Department of Health, unless good cause is met. This program is intended to improve the health care of all children. EXPLANATIONS Immunization requirements should be explained to applicants and recipients. Since the parent is provided a schedule by the infant’s physician, the Health Department, or other clinic overseeing the birth and infant checkups, it is the responsibility of the parent/caretaker to plan for routine vaccinations as recommended. The program must be explained at each application and regular case review to ensure that the caretaker understands medical services that are available and takes advantage of these services to promote healthy babies and children. Appropriate pamphlets must be provided by the worker. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS The worker will rely on the Recommended Immunization Schedule from the Department of Health to discuss each child’s immunizations with the caretaker relative. However, some children may not meet the recommended schedule for various reasons, while still being “on schedule” for their own particular situation. The county will rely on verification from the child’s medical care provider to determine whether a particular child has met his/her individual requirements. Since children in public schools must provide proof of current immunization before admission, we will consider such children to be in compliance as long as they remain enrolled in a public school. VERIFICATION Current immunization is a condition of eligibility for TANF children from birth through age 17. Therefore, verification is mandatory. For children attending public schools, document the fact of public school attendance and do not ask for further verification, unless questionable circumstances exist. Children not attending school, being home-schooled, or attending a nonpublic school must provide proof of current immunizations. The immunization card from the health care provider is usually in the caretaker relative’s possession and may be used to verify

Volume III | Chapter 3 3700 MISSISSIPPI [ NON - FINANCIAL CRITERIA: IMMUNIZATION] Revised 08 - 01 - 06