Important Information For Seniors Attending Senator Skelos' Fifth Annual Golden Gathering Senior Health Fair

Senator Dean G. Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) today announced a relaxation in the flu shot policy for seniors attending his Golden Gathering Senior Health Fair on October 19th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rockville Centre Senior Center.

Working with South Nassau Communities Hospital and Nassau University Medical Center, Senator Skelos annually provides more than 1,000 free flu shots to seniors who attend the Golden Gathering. In the past, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention directed the hospitals to provide these free flu shots to seniors over age 65 and seniors age 60-64 with a doctor’s note.

To ensure that more seniors have access to these free flu shots, this policy has been relaxed and, now, all seniors age 60 and over will be eligible to receive free flu shots at Senator Skelos’ Golden Gathering without obtaining a doctor’s note.

"With flu season upon us, I am very pleased that there will be more seniors receiving their flu shots this year," said Senator Skelos. "For the past four years my Golden Gathering Senior Health Fair has been a great success and I know this year will be no different. After you receive your shot don’t forget to visit the many vendors present with information and services pertaining to senior citizens."

In addition to the flu shots, there will also be representatives present from local, county and state agencies with information for seniors, including experts who can answer questions about the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug program, live music, raffles, giveways and refreshments. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ mobile outreach center will also be available to provide a variety of services to seniors in attendance. To use the Department of Motor Vehicles’ mobile outreach center, seniors must pre-register by contacting Senator Skelos’ office at 766-8383.

#####