By Patric Hedlund, TME

Who would have thought, just one year ago, that spending three hours on hold on the telephone with the Kern County Department of Public Health to try to get an appointment for a covid-19 vaccination would ever be as exciting as spending hours on speed-dial to get tickets for a rock concert? That is what people have done this week, as infection and death rates keep rising. If you are a healthcare worker, or over 65 years old, you may get lucky.

Michelle Corson of DPH said 2,000 appointments are being given through Saturday this week. Call Monday, Feb. 1 to get in line for the next batch of vaccinations.

Call For That Shot

Call 661.868.0165 first thing on Monday, Feb. 1 to get an appointment for next week.

The “surge model” for mass Pfizer vaccinations at the Kern County Fairgrounds has the county drafting employees from across the entire personnel pool of county government on emergency assignment to answer phones while vaccine supplies last.

But Can You Get There?

For residents of the Mountain Community, however, this week’s stormy weather may not cooperate. Even if you got that magic ticket, will Mil Potrero Highway be blocked?

Will the Grapevine be closed due to snow? Will you be able to keep your appointment? Keep your eye on the driving conditions. Be safe.

Other Places To Call

Adventist Health in Tehachapi was still making reservations for Moderna vaccine this week. Call 661.771.8400. They are only administering vaccinations on Saturday, due to weather.

Clinica Sierra Vista’s Community Health Center in Lebec is providing vaccination appointments on Wednesday Call 661.248.5250.

This is part of the January 29, 2021 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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