Gateshead Football Club is inviting fans to take a shot and get a winter health MOT this weekend.
Fans eligible for flu or COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered their jabs alongside blood pressure checks, diabetes screening and advice on quitting smoking from NHS health teams at the match against Truro City at Gateshead International Stadium on Saturday 25 October.
Gateshead FC are one of three clubs, united across the region, including Sunderland AFC and Darlington FC in hosting winter check events, offering free vaccinations to those eligible, simple health check-ups, and helpful advice to stay well this winter.
Dr Catherine Monaghan, medical director, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “It’s fantastic that Gateshead FC are helping to support our NHS vaccination campaign and winter health checks.
“Thousands of fans, across our region will be eligible for a free flu or COVID-19 vaccination this year so I would really encourage them to take up the offer a free vaccine. Not only will this protect them against serious illness but means they can avoid missing any matches over the Christmas season too!
“Older people and young children are more likely to become seriously ill if they catch flu or COVID-19 and the vaccines can be lifesaving – they are our best defence against these viruses.”
COVID-19 vaccinations are available for anyone over 75 and people who are immunosuppressed. In addition, flu vaccines are available for pregnant women, over 65s, carers, frontline health and care staff and those with long term conditions or a weakened immune system.
Flu vaccines are also available for children aged 2-3 from GP practices or participating community pharmacies, available to book online, and school aged children from reception to Year 11 from school immunisation teams.
The match day health checks are available to everyone and the clinics will open in room nine 90 minutes before Saturday’s game at home to Truro City, which kicks off at 3pm.
“Offering winter vaccinations and health checks in football grounds will hopefully make it easier for fans to access vital care and advice,” said Dr Monaghan.
“I’d urge everybody to go along and make sure they’re match fit for winter.”
