Modular affine vertex algebras and baby Wakimoto modules

We develop some basic properties such as $p$-centers of affine vertex algebras and free field vertex algebras in prime characteristic. We show that the Wakimoto-Feigin-Frenkel homomorphism preserves the $p$-centers by providing explicit formulas. This allows us to formulate the notion of baby Wakimoto modules, which in particular provides an interpretation in the context of modular vertex algebras for Mathieu’s irreducible character formula of modular affine Lie algebras at the critical level.