Services
Kern County Children's Mobile Immunization Program
Our mobile unit brings the immunization clinic to you
Since 1996, Adventist Health Bakersfield has partnered with First 5 Kern to provide free immunizations to Kern County children who are medically uninsured, insured through Medi-Cal or are Native American. We’ve been providing free immunizations to Kern County children as part of our commitment to community health. Today, we’re the only health care system in the area that offers a mobile immunization clinic. Each year we provide about 16,500 vaccinations to local children under age 18.
How to qualify for the program
To receive free vaccinations from our clinic, children must meet any one of these criteria:
How to access the program
Our team is here to assist you. Please review below how you can access our program.
Appointment or registration information
Each month, we post a calendar in English and Spanish that lists the dates, times, and locations of the mobile clinic. Choose the site that works best for you. Review our monthly calendar for more details.
Bring your child’s immunization card
Even if your child has received vaccinations from us in the past, we need to see the yellow card that lists your child’s immunization history.
Located at convenient locations
We normally park our mobile unit in a high-visibility area, such as a shopping center or park, and we try to set up close to bus stops for anyone who uses public transportation.
Flu shots for mom and dad
In addition to free immunizations for kids, we also offer complimentary flu shots for parents during flu season.
Referrals to Adventist Health providers
If your child needs care beyond an immunization, we will be happy to help you find an Adventist Health provider to serve you. Our diverse group of multilingual doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants offers compassionate, expert care at three convenient locations.
Frequently asked questions
Check out our top asked questions to help you prepare for your visit to our mobile care unit.
How old does my child have to be to receive immunizations?
We provide free immunizations to children ages 6 weeks through 18 years old who are medically eligible or have no insurance coverage. We cannot provide immunizations to children who have insurance coverage but can perform hemoglobin testing to all children regardless of health coverage.
Do I need to call and make an appointment?
No appointment is necessary. We see patients on a first-come, first-serve basis. Immunization cards are required.
Do you provide free hemoglobin testing?
Yes, we provide free hemoglobin testing with a referral from WIC, a school and/or a doctor. Referral must be accompanied by child’s immunization card. We also provide free hemoglobin testing for pregnant mothers who have a referral.
How often do you have clinics?
Clinics are typically held Monday through Thursday each month at various locations. However, clinic sites and locations are subject to change without notice. Call 661-869-6740 to inquire about the clinic sites at any time.
We close all clinics at 2 p.m. We may stop registering (accepting) patients 30 minutes prior to closing time, but we will see all patients who have already been registered before leaving a clinic site.
Once a month, we offer one late clinic. These are normally held the third Wednesday of every month, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Can you print a copy of my child/children’s immunization card?
Yes, if they are a current or returning patient, but when requesting copies of immunization cards, please call 661-869-6740 prior to coming out to a clinic to pick them up.
How can I obtain a copy of my child’s immunization card/record?
If a child was born at an Adventist Health hospital, a parent needs to obtain the immunization card/record through the hospital’s medical records department.
Who can bring a child to your clinic?
If you are not the parent or legal guardian, you need to have a written consent from the parent for every visit giving you consent for your child’s treatment. You will need to show your identification card for each visit. If you are a legal guardian or foster parent, you must have guardianship papers and your identification card with you at every visit, even if you have been to our clinic in the past.