TAFDC Immunizations

(A) Requirement. Each dependent child must be properly immunized. Failure to immunize shall result in the grantee’s ineligibility unless there is good cause as specified in 106 CMR 703.160(B). The dependent child’s immunization must be verified at application, birth of a dependent child, and when the child turns age two. The grantee has 60 days from the date of notification of this requirement to provide verification of immunization, or a written statement, signed by an appropriate health care provider, of the date immunizations have been scheduled. If scheduled, the grantee must also submit a statement from the health care provider indicating the immunizations have been completed within 30 days of the scheduled appointment. (B) Good Cause for Failure to Comply with Immunization Requirement. Good cause is limited as follows: (1) A grantee states in writing that the immunizations conflict with his or her religious beliefs; (2) A physician certifies in writing that the child should not be immunized due to medical reasons; or (3) A grantee states in writing that he or she refused an immunization for a dependent child after consultation with a physician due to his or her belief of a potential health risk from the immunization. (C) Sanction for Noncompliance with Immunization Requirement. When a grantee does not meet the immunization requirements without good cause, he or she will be sanctioned by a denial or a reduction of his or her portion of the grant. In two-parent households, both parents will be sanctioned. A sanctioned grantee is still subject to other TAFDC provisions including, but not limited to, Time-limited Benefits (see 106 CMR 703.120), and the Work Program requirements (see 106 CMR 703.150). The sanction will continue until the proper documentation for its removal is provided. (D) Verification. (1) Since age-appropriate immunizations are required for school enrollment, verification of school enrollment satisfies the immunization verification requirement for a school-age child. (2) Since immunizations are required for Head Start or a licensed day care, the following verifications satisfy the requirement for a child participating in Head Start or a licensed day care: (a) if the Department pays for the Head Start or licensed day care, no further verification is required; (b) a copy of the immunization form for Head Start or licensed day care; or (c) a written statement from Head Start or licensed day care that the child is enrolled. (3) Verification of immunization for a dependent child may be satisfied by one of the following: (a) a written statement on the health care provider’s letterhead that the child is up to date on immunizations; (b) a copy of a MassHealth or other insurance bill for a well-child visit; or (c) completion of a form, prescribed by the Department, and signed by the health care provider.