2020 Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is now a free flu clinic for at-risk seniors

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is transforming its traditional active aging fair for seniors and caregivers this fall.

The Expo is collaborating with Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to give free flu vaccines to low-income seniors at some residential facilities and mobile home parks in South Santa Barbara County.

The flu vaccines will be provided by Sansum Clinic and will be administered by Santa Barbara County Public Health and Medical Reserve Corps nurses.

The Senior Expo Active Aging Fair has been around for 30 years, and is popular among older adults and their caregivers. It features 100 informative exhibits as well as 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.”

To find specific locations, dates, and times, click here.