California WIC Updates
Learn more about what is new with the California WIC program.āā
COVID-19 Information for WIC Families
Updated October 30, 2024
Updated 2024ā2025 Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines are now available!
These COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and authorized by the FDA and recommended for use by the CDC for everyone 6 months and older. The updated vaccines are monovalent and include protection against more current strains of the virus.āāā
What do parents and caregivers need to know?
Everyone 6 months and older should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines:
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Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive a single updated dose as long as it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.
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Young children 6 months through 4 years are recommended to receive 2ā3 updated doses, while those who have received prior doses are recommended for 1ā2 additional doses.
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Everyone 6 months of age and older who is immunocompromised may receive additional updated doses.
In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, everyone 6 months of age and older should also get the latest flu vaccine. Because viruses change, flu and COVID-19 vaccines are regularly updated to help protect us against circulating strains. Getting the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. To keep your family healthy, make sure everyone gets the updated 2024ā2025 COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose.
To book updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments for your family or to find a walk-in clinic, visit MyTurn.ca.gov.ā
Updated vaccines are our best protection against circulating strains. Families can learn more about immunizations and make the best decisions for their health by visiting CDPHās COVID-19 Vaccine pageā or the MyFamily Immunization Information webpage.
Changes to the Fruits and Vegetables Benefit Starting October 1, 2023
Updated June 6, 2024
The WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefit has adjusted dollar amounts.
WIC families can continue to buy dried fruit, fresh, canned, and frozen fruits and vegetables of any brand, type, or combination. Organic fruits and vegetables are also included. WIC families receive a monthly cash-value benefit on their California WIC Card for fruits and vegetables purchases.
Families should continue checking the
WIC Fruits and Vegetables Benefitā webpage for updates.āā
Governāāor Newsom Commemorates 50 Years of WIC
Updated May 24, 2024
During Public Health Week 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom released a letter commemorating the WIC program's five decades of enduring impact on California's families and across the nation.
Since 1974, WIC has significantly improved child and maternal health by providing vital nutrition education, breastfeeding and chestfeeding support, and nutritious foods to those in need. Reflecting on WIC's contributions, the Governor highlighted, "WIC has been instrumental in preparing children for success and improving health outcomes for families across California."
Read the
fullā letter here (PDF)ā and on the
MyāFamily website. For further information about the 50thā anniversary celebrations of the WIC program, please
visit
MyFamily.wic.ca.gov.ā
WIC 50th āāAnniversary
Recognized by California State Senate
Updated March 13, 2024
The California State Senate honored the 50th anniversary of the WIC program on February 8, 2024, with the adoption of Senate Resolution 59 (SR 59). This resolution, authored by Senator Josh Newman, applauds WIC's critical support to California's families, highlighting its nutrition and health support services. The resolution, including Senator Newman's speech, are available on the
California Legislative Information website and the
California WIC YouTube channel, marking a call for ongoing support to ensure WIC's services remain available to eligible and enrolled families.
To learn more about WIC's 50th anniversary celebration, visit
MyFamily.wic.ca.gov.ā
On March 8, 2024, the Senate passed legislation funding the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and several other executive branch agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year. The legislation includes a funding increase of more than $1 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
President Biden signed the legislation on Saturday March 9, 2024.
Nutramigen LGG Recall 2023
Updated January 3, 2024
āThe manufacturer of Nutramigen LGG has issued a limited voluntary recall of six batches of 12.6 oz and 19.8 oz cans of Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula. Only a small number of batches are affected, and no other products are impacted.
California Redemption Value juice bottle fees start January 1, 2024
Updated Deceāmber 20ā, 2023
As of January 1, 2024, a new law will require shoppers to pay a ten cents ($0.10) deposit for each 64 oz of juice purchased; this includes WIC participants using their WIC benefits. These fees must be paid by the shopper and cannot be covered by the WIC program.
Contact your local WIC office for questions about this new fee.
Ending Infant Formula Flexibilities in WIC
āāUpdated September 18, 2023
The availability of infant formula in California has significantly improved following a period of shortages in 2022 and 2023. For this reason, temporary expanded WIC formula options have been phased out as of June 30, 2023.
WIC families can now purchase WIC contract formulas with their food benefits. Families should buy the brand, type, size, and number of cans included in tāāheir WIC Food Balance.
For more information about WIC contract formulas, visit the
MyFamāāily contract formulas webpage. Families can also contact their
local WIāC officeā to see which formulas are available. āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā