Chamber hosts free vaccine clinic

The Shafter Chamber of Commerce held a free covid-19 vaccine clinic at the Shafter Veterans Hall on Saturday, June 12, helping residents get vaccinated as the state begins to reopen.

The event was sponsored by the chamber, as well as Dignity Health, Kern County Public Health, the United Way of Kern, CAPK Food Bank and Adventist Health. Residents could receive the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the two-shot Moderna vaccine.

Both vaccines have shown a high percentage of effectiveness, with Johnson & Johnson at over 70% and Moderna over 90%.

Over 100 people attended the event, with a number of those receiving their second vaccine, after getting their initial shot at a previous clinic.

Gov. Gavin Newsom opened the state on June 15, allowing residents to shop or gather in large groups without a face covering if they are vaccinated.

"I am really thankful for not having to wear a mask anymore," said Shafter resident Maria Rodriguez. "But, I just hope that enough people have got vaccinated by now that the cases won't start going up again."