Vaccines continue to be the best weapon against COVID-19

November 30, 2021 /

After first being collected earlier this month in South Africa, the World Health Organization announced a new COVID-19 variant of concern on November 26.

The new variant, Omicron, has already spread to countries like South Africa (where the virus was first detected), France, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. There have been no reported deaths, but this new variant can cause severe effects.

According to a California Department of Public Health Omicron variant fact sheet, there are currently no cases in the United States; however, based on other variants, it is only a matter of time before Omicron is detected in the United States. New variants will continue to evolve as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people.

President Joe Biden said this variant is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic. 

“We have more tools to fight the variant than we have ever had before,” said Biden.

Dr. Anthony Fauci said the U.S. will need about two weeks to learn more definitive information about the Omicron variant’s transmissibility and severity.

President Biden said he would lay out his strategy on Thursday for fighting COVID-19 over the winter. 

“We’re going to fight and beat this new variant,” he said.

Biden also said he would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make those vaccines available quickly.

“In the event — hopefully unlikely — that updated vaccinations or boosters are needed to respond to Omicron, we will accelerate their development and deployment with every available tool,” Biden said.

President Biden urges people to get vaccinated and get the booster shot. He also says it is still important to wear a mask so that the spreading of this disease is reduced.

It is really important that we get vaccinated because the Omnicron variant is likely to quickly spread.

The COVID-19 booster shot is now available to all adults and the Kern Public Health Services Department also recommends that people get vaccinated.

People who are 18 and older are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot six months following their second dose of the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months following their Johnson & Johnson shot. Individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. 

According to the Kern Public Health Services Department, as of November 30th, there are 10 new deaths and a total of 157,525 total resident cases.

To schedule an appointment visit MYTURN.CA.GOV.

Kern County Public Health is operating a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Tuesday through Friday from 10:30AM to 6:00PM.

Other vaccination clinics that are open and free to the public are on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, December 1:
    1. Voorhies Elementary from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m
      • 6001 Pioneer Dr, Bakersfield, CA, 93306
  • Friday, December 3:
    1. All of Us or None Office from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
      • 948 Baker St, Bakersfield, CA, 93305
    2. David Head Center from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      • 10300 San Diego St, Lamont, CA, 93241
  • Saturday, December 4
    1. Saint Therese Catholic Church from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      • 300 W Lerdo Hwy, Shafter, CA, 93263
  • Sunday, December 5
    1. DHF California City from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
      • 7107 California City Blvd, Suite C., California City, CA, 93305
    2. Rexland Acres Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
      • 315 E. Fairview Rd., Bakersfield, CA, 93307
  • Friday, December 10
    1. Mt. View Middle School from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      • 8001 Weedpatch Hwy, Lamont, CA, 93241
    2. All of Us or None Office from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
      • 948 Baker St, Bakersfield, CA, 93305
  • Saturday, December 11
    1. La Preciosa Market from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
      • 538 Finley Dr., Taft, CA, 93268
  • Sunday, December 19
    1. McDonalds from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
      • 1812 Union Ave., Bakersfield, CA, 93305