Doctor calls for Stadium of Light to be used as vaccine site on match day

One of the leaders of NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group has called for the Stadium of Light to host a vaccination centre on match days to encourage fans to get their jab.
By Tony Gillan
Published 29th Jul 2021, 13:25 BST
Updated 29th Jul 2021, 17:15 BST
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Dr Fadi Khali, the city’s GP lead for vaccinations, tweeted the idea and and said he thinks a pop-up vaccine site could be tied in with a home game when tens of thousands of supporters are expected to arrive at the ground.

However, the CCG has said it has not made any formal approach to Sunderland AFC and has made no official comment.

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Dr Khali tweeted: “Would the @StadiumOfLight consider supporting the NHS in hosting a vaccination site? Might be a worthwhile idea for the first match day. We need as many people to be able up access the vaccines if they wish and what's a better occasion? @SunderlandCCG @SunderlandUK.”

Sunderland AFC is yet to respond to the Echo’s request for a comment on the doctor’s suggestion.

Dr Khali feels strongly that the jab is highly recommended. In June he told the Echo: “Vaccinations are really safe and effective and it’s our best way out of this pandemic.”

So far only one community pharmacy in Sunderland, Redhouse Pharmacy on Renfrew Road, is currently offering the service, it has installed two special units where vaccines will be administered.

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Drop-in vaccine centres are available at six different clinics across Sunderland this weekend.

Dr Fadi Khalil has suggested that the Stadium of Light could be used a a vaccination centre.Dr Fadi Khalil has suggested that the Stadium of Light could be used a a vaccination centre.
Dr Fadi Khalil has suggested that the Stadium of Light could be used a a vaccination centre.

On Saturday, July 31 you can call in at Bunnyhill Primary Care Centre on Hylton Lane between 8am and 1pm, Washington Primary Care Centre 8am to 1pm, Millfield Medical Centre 8am to 1pm and Riverview Health Centre 8am to 2pm.

On Sunday, August 1, jabs are available at Grindon Primary Care Centre between 8am and 1pm and at Houghton Primary Care Centre, also between 8am and 1pm.

These are for first jabs only.

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Related topics:Stadium of LightCCGSunderland AFCSunderland