Formula Information

• All WIC programs are federally required to have an infant formula contract in place for cost control purposes.
• Our contract with Gerber will expire after September benefits, and our new contract with Similac will begin with October benefits.
  

• All infant formulas in the U.S. must meet the same nutrition and quality standards set by the FDA.
• Both Gerber and Similac brand formulas have similar products to meet your baby’s needs (i.e., milk-based, low-lactose/partially broken-down proteins, and soy-based).

• Yes, everyone will change formulas starting with the October benefit period. Oklahoma WIC will no longer be providing Gerber brand formulas.
• Similac offers formula options very similar to what your baby has been receiving on Gerber. Most babies do well on specific types of formula, not brands of formula.
  • For example, if your baby does well with a standard milk-based Gerber formula (Gentle), they will likely do well with the standard milk-based equivalent Similac formula (Similac Advance).
• You can view our Formula Transition Guide for additional information on helping your baby successfully transition formula brands.
• Gerber Good Start formulas have been sold to Perrigo Company and are no longer being produced. As a result, there have been shortages on Gerber Good Start formulas over the past several months. Gerber Good Start formulas are being discontinued and replaced with Dr. Brown's Good Start formulas. Dr. Browns' Good Start formulas have not sought WIC eligibility; therefore we are not able to provide them per federal guidelines.

• No, everyone who is not on a Similac contract formula will change to a Similac contract formula starting with the October benefit period.
• We were only temporarily able to offer Enfamil products under USDA contract waivers due to the shortages of our previous Gerber contract formulas.  These USDA waivers all expire Sept. 30, 2024 and effective with October benefits, we must issue Similac contract brand formulas when a standard milk or soy-based formula is needed.
  • If your baby requires an Enfamil formula (or other non-contract formula) for a specific health reason, your doctor will need to fill out an Exception Request for Formula form with significant medical justification.
• Similac offers formula options very similar to what your baby has been receiving on Enfamil. Most babies do well on specific types of formula, not brands of formula. Here are the comparable contract Similac brand formulas. If your baby was on one of these Enfamil brand formulas (without an approved Exception Request for Formula form), they will be switched to the listed Similac brand formula.
  • Enfamil Infant → Similac Advance (12.4 oz can)
  • Enfamil Gentlease → Similac Total Comfort (12.6 oz can)
  • Enfamil Reguline → Similac Total Comfort (12.6 oz can)
  • Enfamil Prosobee Simply Plant Based → Similac Soy Isomil (12.4 oz can)
• You can view our Formula Transition Guide for additional information on helping your baby successfully transition formula brands.

• It is normal for a child to experience some minor symptoms when changing formulas.
  • For example, a child’s stool may look or smell different, or you may notice some spit-up. If you have concerns, please contact your WIC Clinic. WIC staff are here to help you during the transition.
• Please contact your child’s health care provider if you see symptoms like a rash, diarrhea,
  constipation or vomiting.
• When redeeming a new formula with your WIC benefits, we recommend getting one can to start to be sure your baby tolerates it. WIC benefits are non-refundable; if you use all of your benefits and need to switch formulas, you will have to wait until the next benefit period begins.

• Your baby is continuing to grow and develop every day and may have outgrown formula
  problems.
• We know this transition can be overwhelming for families. Please contact your local WIC clinic or health care provider with any concerns. 

• Yes, WIC will follow the same guidelines for the amount of formula provided based on your child’s age.

• If your baby has an active and approved Exception Request for Formula form in place, they will not need to change formulas.  

• Families can find their new formula on our Formula Transition Crosswalk document.
• As best practice, double-check your balance before going to the store.
• You can check your benefit balance on wicconnect.com, by calling 1-866-562-2702, or by requesting a printed balance inquiry from the cashier at a WIC-approved store. 

• All WIC approved stores are required to carry WIC contract brand formula. While we don’t have any control over the formula stock, we are working with our WIC-approved stores to make them aware of the change so they can be ready for the contract formula transition.
• If families are unable to find their formula in store, we recommend asking the store manager when the specific formula may be available and checking with other stores in the area to see if they have the formula someone is looking for in stock.
  • If families need further assistance, they can contact our WIC vendor helpdesk at 405-426-8505.

• Infants will continue to receive the same amount of formula each month per USDA regulations, depending on breastfeeding status and age. Different can sizes yield different amounts of formula. As such, the number of cans could vary between brands, but the total amount will be the same. 

• Individuals with questions should contact their local WIC clinic.
• If they are not sure which clinic they use or have additional questions, they can call (405) 426-8500 or email at oklahomawic@health.ok.gov. 

Requests can be submitted for non-contract formulas with qualifying medical diagnoses. To request a medically necessary, non-contract formula please complete the Exception Request for Formula/Food form and submit to your local WIC clinic.

Our Oklahoma Formulary and Comparable Formula Reference List can be used for guidance, but it is not all inclusive. Each Exception Request for Formula/Food is evaluated on an individual basis.

Qualifying medical diagnoses include but are not limited to:

• premature birth.
• low birth weight.
• inborn errors of metabolism and metabolic disorders.
• gastrointestinal disorders.
• malabsorption syndromes.
• immune system disorders.
• severe food allergies that require an elemental formula.
• life threatening disorders, diseases and medical conditions that impair ingestion, digestion, absorption, or the utilization of nutrients that could adversely affect the participant’s nutrition status.

Formulas may not be issued solely for the purpose of enhancing nutrient intake or managing body weight without a qualifying condition. Formulas are not authorized for a non-specific formula or food intolerance. Only complete forms will be considered.