The Kern County Department of Public Health offers a variety of community clinics on a regular or monthly basis to assist all County residents in ensuring good health and promoting wellness. Fees vary for each clinic, and most accept Medi-Cal, Family PACT or sliding scale payments.

• Persons aged 50 years and older
• Children aged 6 months through 18 years
• Adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, heart disease, kidney diseases, severe anemia, cancer and weakened immune systems due to immunosuppressive medications or HIV
• Adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions, or that can increase the risk for aspiration
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children 0-59 months of age and persons of any age at risk for severe complications from influenza
• Women who will be pregnant during the flu season
• Healthcare workers
• FLUMIST, the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) will also be available for healthy children and adults ages 2 through 49 years.

Immunizations:
Immunizations are a beneficial part of preventative health care and are available for adults as well as children. All school entry vaccinations are available. A parent or legal guardian must accompany persons under 18 years of age. Please remember to bring you child's immunization record (yellow card) to the clinic so that the correct shots can be administered. No one will be denied immunizations due to inability to pay.

Child Health:
Provides health exams and screening for children to detect and correct health problems early in life. Available services include physical examinations, immunizations, laboratory tests for lead poisoning and anemia, vision and hearing screening, nutritional assessments, and health education. Child Health Clinics require an appointment. Please refer to the clinic schedule for the phone number of the location closest to you.

Family Planning:
Helps families plan the number, timing, and spacing of children. In order to assist individuals with making these important decisions, education is provided about all methods of birth control.  Appointments are required.

Pregnancy Screening:
Early pregnancy detection, as early as two days after a missed menstrual period, enables an expectant mother to provide the best environment for her baby. Women who think they may be pregnant should see their physician or attend one of the Pregnancy Screening Clinics. Fees are waived for clients referred by the Department of Human Services for pregnancy verification.

Preventive Health Care for Adults:
Wellness for Californians 50+:  This program provides health screenings and medication reviews for adults 50 and over. These screenings are performed by qualified Public Health Nurses and are available at various senior centers, and senior housing throughout the county by appointment. The focus of this program is prevention by providing free comprehensive health screenings. PHCA does not take the place of an individual's primary care physician. The screening can help identify health problems early, find needed health care services, promote preventive health practices and encourage staying as healthy as possible. The screenings also include applicable health and medical education/information along with ensuring that individuals are referred for any necessary follow up if indicated.

HIV Counseling and Screening:
The Kern County Department of Public Health offers free HIV-antibody testing in multiple locations throughout the County.

Sexually Transmitted Infection:
Kern County ranks #3 and #3 for chlamydia and gonorrhea rates, respectively, in California. The majority of chlamydia infections are asymptomatic and go undetected and untreated. The clinic cost is $13.00. Family PACT and Medi-Cal will be accepted for payment. Services are available at the Bakersfield office, 1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Walk-in spaces are available or for an appointment call 868-0503. Services are also offered in the Ridgecrest district office. Call (760) 375-5157 for an appointment.

Head Lice / Scabies - Examination and Treatment: (non-managed care)
Services are available at the Bakersfield office, 1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Walk-in spaces are available or for an appointment call 868-0503.
For "Facts About Head Lice" brochure click on the link. English   Spanish

Travel Vaccinations and Information:
Call (661) 868-0503 for additional information.

Tuberculosis Clinic and Case Management:
Call (661) 868-0503 for additional information.

Tuberculosis Skin Testing:
Call (661) 868-0503 for additional information.