Please follow the CDC guidelines of hand hygiene with masking and social distancing procedures.
PUBLIC ON-DEMAND COVID-19 (NO COST) TESTS AND FLU SHOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE BY
APPOINTMENT AT WEST SIDE FAMILYHEALTH CLINIC 765-1935 at 100 E. North Street, Taft

January 18, 2021

COVID-19 Pandemic: A continuing narrative by Gerald A. Starr, MPH, FACHE; Executive Director
The fight for control of the COVID-19 pandemic continues. California in most locations---including the
Central Valley--is experiencing a high incidence of positive tests and hospitalizations. For an update on
the COVID-19 testing in the State and Kern County: The State COVID-19 Data Tracker reports today that
as of 1/17/21 the rate of positive tests statewide is 12.2 %. The 14-day average for Kern County is 22.6 %
positive. +

Kern County had 6,460 positive tests between 1/11/21 and 1/18/21. That is a positive rate of 923/day.
There have been 565 deaths in Kern County attributed to the COVID-19. * KCDPH reports today there
are 383 patients hospitalized. In Taft and our neighbors of Maricopa, Fellows, McKittrick and Tupman-as
of January 18th-there are 1,468 positive tests. We continue to experience an increase in the positive
rate although the rate may be a slowing as we distance from the recent holiday gatherings.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are expected to provide immunity at 94% from the COVID-19 virus.
There are reports that variants of the COVID-19 are beginning to surface. Apparently, the variant is
transmitted at a higher rate; however, the resulting symptoms and severity of illness remain the
same. The vaccines also appear to develop immunity to the mutating virus.

West Side Family Health Care has received the Moderna vaccine that is administered in two doses.
The second dose is given approximately 28-days following the first dose. Subject to the supply of
vaccines, we will continue vaccinations by appointment according to the priority mandated by the
California Department of Public Health. The current Vaccination priority has progressed to Phase 1b,
Tier 2 for individuals 65 years and older.

The State Department of Public Health priorities for vaccination are published on the Kern County
Department of Public Health website and the COVID-19 Dashboard. As the individuals in each tier are
vaccinated there will be progress through the remaining tier priorities. The objective is to reach a level
of “community Immunity” with 70% of the eligible population having received the vaccine. Hopefully by
late spring of 2021.

There are reports regarding side effects with those receiving the vaccine. The most common are “flu
shot” type of side effects. No individual can be REQUIRED to take the vaccine should they choose not to.
West Side Family Health Care will continue all of our primary care, walk-in and COVID-19 healthcare
services. Telephone visits in certain cases may be appropriate if patient and provider agree. The Clinic
has both rapid turnaround COVID-19 Antigen (rapid turnaround) and PCR tests available.

COVID-19 Pandemic: A continuing narrative by Gerald A. Starr, MPH, FACHE; Executive Director

*Kern County Department of Public Health Website, reported daily;

+ COVID-19.CA.GOV; CDC COVID DATA TRACKER