Eligible football fans who have bought a ticket are being urged to get a shot of the free flu vaccine at AFC Wimbledon’s home game against Mansfield Town on Saturday (kick off 12.30).
Supporters attending the game who qualify will be able to get their flu vaccination ahead of the match at the Cherry Red Records Stadium from 10.30am until kick-off with no need to book beforehand.
An NHS vaccination team will be on hand in the medical room in the in the Cappagh (west) Stand at the Sky Bet League One game.
Every day, an average of 259 patients took up a hospital bed in London last week (beginning 24 November) because of flu – triple the daily average of 89 this time last year.
With flu cases at a record high and no peak yet in sight, London’s NHS system is facing an unprecedented flu wave this winter.
Dr Nicola Jones, Chief Medical Officer at NHS South West London and local GP, said: “The vaccine is your best defence, protecting yourself, your family and your loved ones against flu.
Getting vaccinated will only take you a few minutes and will give you months of protection against flu, which although usually a mild illness can be very unpleasant and, in some cases, serious or life-threatening.
Chief Medical Officer Nicola Jones
“So be a team player, drop into the clinic and get jabbed to help stay match fit heading through the festive period and beyond.
“Getting vaccinated will only take you a few minutes and will give you months of protection against flu, which although usually a mild illness can be very unpleasant and, in some cases, serious or life-threatening.”
James Wilcox, AFC Wimbledon’s Head of Operations, added: “We’re delighted to partner with the NHS to make flu vaccinations accessible to our supporters and the wider community. This is a great example of how football clubs can play a positive role in public health.”
People can get a free flu vaccination if they:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine.
More information about the flu vaccine can be found on the NHS website.
There are plenty of ways eligible south west Londoners who are not attending the match can get their flu vaccination.
They can:
- contact their GP surgery to book an appointment
- book a free NHS flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS app (if aged 18 or over)
- find a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccination where they can walk in and get vaccinated without an appointment (if aged 18 or over).