× The federal government has shut down due to the failures of the President and Congress to continue government funding. Millions of Californians receiving benefits from state programs may be impacted. For now, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide services and enroll eligible families as long as funding is available. No new federal funding to California WIC will be provided until the President and Congress take action. Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. This information is subject to change, so please monitor the California WIC website for updates.

Please be wary of potential highly partisan political messaging while visiting federal government websites for information related to the federal government shutdown.

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Newborn screening program

Couple with baby

Information for Families

Congratulations if you have just had a baby join your family! The California Newborn Screening Program (NBS) is a public health program that screens all babies for many serious but treatable genetic disorders. All babies born in California are required to get screened soon after birth.

Newborn screening began in California in 1966 with screening for one disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU). The Program has expanded and now includes 80 different disorders, both genetic (passed down in families) and congenital (present at birth). The goal of the program is to identify babies with these disorders early, so that treatment can be started right away.

The content within these pages is meant to be informational, and should not replace the care provided by your baby’s doctor. Make sure to talk to your baby's doctor if you have any questions about your baby’s health or your family history.​​

Newborn Screening: Important Information for Parents trifold ... (English and Spanish, PDF) ... English and Simplified Chinese (PDF)

Newborn Screening IIP Trifold Thumbnail

Newborn Screening: Important Information for Parents trifold in all languages:

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