'Be wise, immunise' Autumn winter 2025 Sunderland AFC
Sunderland 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 Everton at the Beacon of Light on Monday, 3rd November 2025.
Sunderland AFC are one of three clubs, united across the region, including Darlington FC, 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 Sunderland AFC 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 of 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 for school-aged children from reception to Year 11 from school immunisation teams.
The matchday health checks are available to everyone, and the clinics will open 90 minutes before the Everton game, which kicks off at 8 pm in the Stadium of Light.
"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."
