Senior Expo Transitions to Flu Clinic

Source: Family Service Agency

Due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions, the 2020 Senior Expo is canceling its traditional active aging fair for seniors and caregivers this fall. Instead, the Expo is collaborating with Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to provide free flu vaccines to low-income seniors at specific residential facilities and mobile home parks in South Santa Barbara County during the month of October. The flu vaccines will be provided by Sansum Clinic and administered by Santa Barbara County Public Health and Medical Reserve Corps nurses. Locations, dates, and times will be posted at SeniorExpoSB.com.

For over 30 years, the Senior Expo Active Aging Fair has attracted over 1,000 older adults and their caregivers by providing a treasure trove of information provided by over 100 exhibits as well as access to multiple health screenings, including free flu shots. Cottage Health and Sansum Clinic alternate years providing free flu vaccines to adults aged 55 and older.

“Many seniors count on the Expo for their annual flu vaccine,” said Lisa Brabo, Executive Director of Family Service Agency. “Our committee felt it was important to ensure those with limited resources can still get vaccinated, and we are extremely grateful to be working with the Public Health Department and their Medical Reserve Corps volunteer nurses.”

“It’s unfortunate that the Expo can’t go on as normal this year,” said Jan Koegler, Manager of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program for Santa Barbara County Public Health. “However, we are thrilled to be working with the Senior Expo Committee to ensure that hundreds of seniors will continue to receive their all-important flu vaccine this year.”

Planning partners for this year’s Senior Expo flu clinic include Alexander Gardens Assisted Living, Cottage Health, Family Service Agency, Hospice of Santa Barbara, Sansum Clinic, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Senior Programs of Santa Barbara Fund, and VNA Health. For more information, visit SeniorExpoSB.com or email seniorexpo@fsacares.org.