Cardiff City fans get vaccinated against harmful viruses at Derby game
Cardiff City fans were vaccinated against potentially harmful viruses at a recent home match against Derby County.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board teamed up with St John Ambulance Cymru to administer vaccines in a new mobile unit parked outside the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, January 25.
A team of vaccinators offered the flu, COVID-19, RSV and MMR vaccines to all those eligible at car park zone B, between gates 3 and 4.
In total, 17 vaccines were administered on the day, including four people from the same family. Several people also had to be turned away as they were either ineligible for a particular vaccine, or lived outside Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Immunisation Coordinator at Cardiff and Vale UHB, Charis Joyce, said: “The session was a big success, and some fans thanked us for being there even if they weren’t due a vaccination. We’d like to thank Cardiff City FC for being so supportive – their security team was exceptional on the day.
“It was a great opportunity to improve people’s access to vaccinations, and we hope to do more events like this in the near future.”
Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, Chris Johnson, added: “Vaccines are proven to be the best defence against many serious illnesses. We all lead busy lives, and services like the vaccine van outside Cardiff City Stadium allow football fans a convenient way to catch up with their vaccinations while catching up with their favourite team.
“Viruses like flu are on the rise in the winter months, so getting a vaccination if you are eligible not only protects yourself, but your loved ones too.”
Respiratory viruses such as flu are circulating across south Wales at increasing levels, putting huge pressure on our hospitals and primary care services.
Getting vaccinated is the best line of defence to protect yourself - and those around you - from becoming seriously unwell from these infections.
A gelatine-free version of the flu vaccine was also made available to those who do not consume pork products.
If you have any questions about the vaccines visit the Public Health Wales website, or call the Cardiff and Vale UHB Health Protection and Immunisation Team on 07974 115707.