A vaccine requirement has been mandated for all three Kern County Community College campuses, “BC students and employees will be required to provide proof of first vaccination by Sept. 7 and proof of full vaccination by Nov. 1”, according to information found on the Bakersfield College website. 

Those who do not wish to be vaccinated are encouraged to visit the Student Information Desk, which can be found on the Bakersfield College website, to get information on alternate options that are available for them.

In an effort to make Covid-19 vaccines more accessible to those who wish to receive them, Bakersfield College is providing free vaccinations for people 18 or older at the Student Health and Wellness Center Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

BC Student Health and Wellness Center will also be offering the Moderna vaccine Tuesdays and Sundays in August and September from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for walk-ins only. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to get the Moderna vaccine Saturdays at BC home football games,  these clinics will be walk-in only, and will be offered at the Memorial Stadium located at the Bakersfield College main campus from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Just between Aug. 30th and Aug. 31st, the BC Vaccine Clinic vaccinated 54 people. Charles Collom, Director of the Student Health and Wellness Center, shared that there are a few most commonly asked questions asked by those getting the vaccines, these include questions about what side effects can occur, “does it hurt?” and asking if it is safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. “Occasionally I’ll get questions like ‘How does it work,’ I love that question because it makes me get to sound smart,” he said. Collom also shared that there are times where the clinics get very busy, often between block schedules for classes when students get out of class, and other times where they are not busy at all. 

The Student Health and Wellness Center is located on BC’s main campus in the Levison Center marked “LEV” on the college’s map. It is next to the M & O building and south of the library. Walk-ins will be accepted at all clinics but those looking to schedule an appointment can call 833- 422-4255 or register for appointments at myturn.ca.gov. The information available on the BC website states that  Anyone looking for more information or has any questions is encouraged to call 661-395-4336.