WIC Program Questions and Answers on HINI Influenza

GENERAL

Question 1. Who determines if there is a Human Pandemic? Would USDA notify state agencies when pandemic procedures can be instituted or would it be left to each state agency to determine when to implement procedures?

Question 2. What processes can be delayed if WIC staff or clients are seriously impacted?

CERTIFICATION AND ISSUANCE OF FOOD INSTRUMENTS

Question 1. Can a state agency request approval to issue WIC food instruments for 6 months to participants in order to decrease the number of participants coming in to WIC clinics in a pandemic flu situation?

Question 2. Can a state agency temporarily reduce the frequency with which participants are required to be at the clinic?

Question 3. What accommodations are available to WIC participants to use their food instruments if they or a family member are under voluntary quarantine?

ALLOWABLE COSTS

Question 1: Are masks and respirators an allowable WIC expense?

Question 2: Can WIC funds be used to purchase the H1N1 vaccine?

Question 3: Can WIC pay for other costs related to the H1N1 vaccine effort?

Question 4: Can WIC staff be used to administer the H1N1 vaccine?

Question 5: If a state agency is using a time study to show activities, how is the time spent on the H1N1 activities reported?