Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The second approved vaccine will be marketed as Spikevax for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older. 

“While hundreds of millions of doses of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine have been administered to individuals under emergency use authorization, we understand that for some individuals, FDA approval of this vaccine may instill additional confidence in making the decision to get vaccinated,” acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highly recommends for everyone to get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask, and get tested to stop the spread of COVID-19.

If you are looking to get tested, every week there is free testing at the following locations:

Mondays: Fairfax Junior High: 1-4 p.m.

Tuesdays: Zephyr Lane Elementary School (in the parent education resource center): 1-4 p.m.

Wednesdays: Shirley Lane Elementary (outside the cafeteria on Shirley Lane): 1-4 p.m. 

Thursdays: Virginia Avenue Elementary School (by the solar panels on Ross St.): 1-4 p.m. 

There will also be vaccines and/or testing clinics available at the following locations in Kern County:

• Feb 1, 22- 4:30-7 p.m. Boys & Girls Club – Lamont-8301 Segrue Rd, Lamont 
  • All vaccines + boosters 
• Feb 2, 22- 2:30-6 p.m. Maricopa School Auditorium- 955 Stanislaus St., Maricopa, CA 93252 
  • Vaccines for 5+, Pfizer, J&J, booster, and COVID-19 testing  
• Feb 4, 22- 12-5 p.m. AOUON OFFICE- 948 Baker St 93305 
  • Vaccines for 5+, Pfizer, booster, COVID-19 testing 
• Feb 5, 22- 12-4 p.m. Rexland Acres Park- 325 E. Fairview Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93307 
  • Vaccines for 5+, Pfizer, J&J, booster, and COVID-19 Testing 
• Feb 6, 22- 12-5 p.m. Wasco Old Courthouse- 810 8th St. Wasco, CA 93280
  • Vaccines for 5+, Pfizer, J&J, booster, and COVID-19 testing

If you are in need of COVID-19 tests, free at home tests can be ordered by visiting usps.com/covidtests.