The CSU Bakersfield mass vaccine hub will be closing its clinic to the community on May 14.

  Anyone 16 or older is eligible to receive their first dose of the vaccine at the Student Recreation Center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. throughout the seven-day week.

  To make an appointment visit MyTurn website; walk-ins are welcome.

  Second-does appointments for the Pfizer vaccine will be offered at Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices at Discovery Plaza located at 1200 Discovery Drive, Bakersfield.

  Since its opening, the hub has given a total of over 35,000 vaccines to people across Kern County including individuals from other counties between March 26 and April 26.

  This amounts to an estimated 1,130 vaccines administered per day; far below the anticipated 5,400 the hub was set to handle.

  Kaiser Permanente and the Kern County Health Department declined to release the total number of administered vaccines given at the hub and the percentage of vaccines given to local residents and out-of-county residents.

According to Michelle Corson, public information officer for the Kern County Public Health Department a total of 70,876 COVID-19 vaccines were given to eligible people at the Fairgrounds Mass Vaccination Clinic from Jan.11 through April 24.

  As stated in a news release from The CSU Office of Chancellor, they will be a mandatory vaccine for students, staff and faculty at CSUB pending an FDA approval.

  Proof of the vaccine will be needed upon the return of in-person instruction for the fall 2021 semester.

  According to California Faculty Association, there are different health reasons why individuals cannot get a COVID-19 vaccine. They will continue to advocate for the people impacted by this decision.

  Vanessa Chicaiza, ASI President said she thinks it is essential for the CSUB community and members around Kern County become vaccinated.

  “I received the vaccination to protect myself and those within my community from contracting COVID-19,” she said. “I believe it is essential for our community members to get vaccinated to protect our vulnerable populations; luckily, it is now incredibly easy to get vaccinated at the CSUB Vaccination Hub. Transitioning “back to normal” means that we must all do our part to ensure our community is safe when doing so,” Chicaiza said.

  Sammy Cortez, a junior at CSUB shared why it was important to receive the vaccine.

  “I wanted to get the vaccine to protect my family if I ever become infected. I also wanted to do my part to protect my community,” Cortez said.