OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program will be transitioning from Gerber to Similac brand contract infant formulas. All WIC programs in the US are required to have a formula contract in place for cost containment purposes.

Infants previously receiving standard Gerber brand formula benefits will automatically be changed to the most comparable Similac brand infant formula beginning in October.

All infant formulas in the U.S. must meet the same nutrition and quality standards set by the FDA. Under the new contract with Similac and per USDA regulations, there will continue to be a milkbased, a low-lactose, and a soy-based formula option.

“We understand the past few years have been challenging for families utilizing infant formulas,” said Amy Mauldin, Nutrition Services Manager of the Oklahoma WIC program. “We are committed to addressing any questions or concerns of our participants to ensure a smooth transition for their babies.”

Oklahoma WIC will be communicating the formula transition with all impacted participants in the coming weeks. Participants are encouraged to check their WIC benefit balance before shopping by visiting wicconnect. com, by calling 1-866562-2702, or by asking for a printed balance inquiry from the cashier at a WIC-approved store.

Most infants can switch to a similar type of formula without issue. Some infants may have changes in their stool or experience some spit up. This is normal and will resolve as they adjust to the new formula.

If you have concerns during the transition, please contact your WIC Clinic or your child’s health care provider. For more information on the contract formula change, including a formula transition guide, visit http://oklahoma. gov/health/wicformulafacts.

If a baby requires a medically indicated formula that has already been formally requested by their healthcare provider and approved by Oklahoma WIC, they will not need to change formulas.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/ health.