KERN COUNTY, Calif. — The California Department of Public Health announced that individuals 65 or older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

Effective immediately, all residents age 65 years and older are now able to be vaccinated in Kern County.

Those in Phase 1a, healthcare workers, and long-term care residents, remain the highest priority to receive vaccines according to the state and are currently eligible for vaccination in Kern County.

Residents are urged to continue practicing healthy habits such as hand washing, physical distancing and wearing a face covering when in public.