West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 2.20 Effective Date: 04/01/03

2.20

Immunization Screening and Referral

1 of 2 POLICY:

The local agency will provide immunization screening and referrals to all WIC infants and children under the age of two using a documented history.

PROCEDURE:

A. Minimum Immunization Screening and Referral Protocol

1. Scheduling WIC certification appointments for children under the age of two:

a) Advise parents and caretakers of infant and child WIC applicants that immunization records are requested as a part of the WIC certification and health screening process.

b) Explain to parent/caretaker the importance that WIC places on making sure that children are up to date on immunizations and;

c) Assure applicants that immunization records are not required to obtain WIC benefits.

2. At initial certification and all subsequent certification visits for children under the age of 2, screen the infant/child’s immunization status using a documented record.

a) A documented record is a record (computerized or paper) in which actual vaccination dates are recorded and includes:

1) A parent’s hand-held immunization record (from the provider),

2) An immunization registry, an automated data system or;

3) A client chart (paper copy).

3. At a minimum, screen the infant/child’s immunization status by counting the number of doses of doses of DtaP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis) vaccine they have received in relation to their age, according to the following table:

 By 3 months of age, the infant/child should have at least 1 dose of DtaP.  By 5 months of age, the infant/child should have at least 2 doses of DtaP.  By 7 months of age, the infant/child should have at least 3 doses of DtaP.  By 19 months of age, the infant/child should have at least 4 doses of DtaP.

4. If the infant/child is under-immunized:

a) Provide information on the recommended immunization schedule appropriate to the age of the infant/child;

West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 2.20 Effective Date: 04/01/03

2.20

Immunization Screening and Referral

2 of 2 b) Provide referral for immunization services, ideally to the child’s usual source of medical care.

5. If a documented immunization record is not provided by the parent/caregiver:

a) Provide information on the recommended immunization schedule appropriate to the

age of the infant/child;

b) Provide referral for immunization services, ideally to the child’s usual source of medical care; and

c) Encourage the parent/caregiver to bring the immunization record to the next certification visit.

REFERENCES:

1) SFP 01-111, Immunization Screening and Referral in WIC.