Be wise, immunise! - Darlington football club urge fans to stay in the game by getting free health checks this winter
Darlington FC are one of three clubs, united across the region, including Sunderland AFC and Gateshead 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 Darlington 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 matchday health checks will be held in the car park, 90 minutes before the 3pm kick off and are available to everyone.
"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."
Future matchday clinic dates across the region:
3 November 8pm Sunderland v Everton at Beacon of Light
4 November 7:45pm Darlington v Worksop Town at Blackwell Meadows
8 November 3pm Sunderland v Arsenal at Beacon of Light
8 November 3pm Gateshead v Solihull Moors at Gateshead International Stadium
22 November 3pm Gateshead v Boreham Wood at Gateshead International Stadium
22 November 3pm Darlington v Spennymoor Town at Blackwell Meadows
25 November 7:45pm Darlington v Curzon Ashton at Blackwell Meadows
29 November 3pm Sunderland v Bournemouth at Beacon of Light
20 December 3pm Gateshead v Eastleigh Gateshead International Stadium
20 December 3pm Darlington v King's Lynn Town at Blackwell Meadows
If you can't make it to one of the above you can still make sure you’ve got the protection you need against flu and COVID-19.
1. The flu vaccine and COVID booster will help defend you against the latest strains.
2. Just like in a packed stadium, being in busy enclosed spaces increases the risk of picking up flu or COVID-19.
3. Even if you’ve had earlier vaccines or have already been ill, your immunity fades over time, so it’s important to top up your protection.
What should you do?
· Get game ready: Book your vaccine even if you’ve had one before, staying protected keeps you and your family safer this winter.
· Safe and effective: Vaccines are proven safe. Side-effects are usually mild and short-lived, nothing to keep you away from the game for long.
· Easy to book:
o Your GP may be in touch.
o Or book quickly through the NHS App, or search ‘NHS flu vaccine’ or ‘NHS COVID-19 vaccine’ online.
o If you can’t get online, call 119 free of charge.
Don’t get caught out this season – Be wise, immunise, and stay match fit all winter long.
