BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Friday, the FDA approved the Moderna vaccine for emergency use.

Here in Kern County, Adventist health vaccinated its first round of health care workers.

Doctor Jonathan Darilo got a vaccine Friday and spoke about its importance.

"In the meantime, while we're waiting for the vaccines to be more widely available, continue wearing masks, wash hands, do the social distancing, and just so we can keep curbing the cases and continue to keep everyone safe."

The first round of vaccines is designated for people most at risk in our community and around the nation.

Many healthcare workers say the vaccine is a good start toward keeping people safe, but COVID-19 infections in Kern County are still on the rise.