Football fans could benefit from free coronavirus vaccinations ahead of the return of Capital supporters to stadiums this week.
A 2,000-strong crowd are set to take in Hibernian’s Easter Road comeback in the pre-season friendly clash with Arsenal on Tuesday evening and have the opportunity to receive their first or second dose of the covid-19 jag pre-match.
NHS Lothian’s ‘Summer of Football’ campaign will see mobile vaccination units pop up in Leith and across the city at Tynecastle when Hearts face Sunderland this weekend.
While the move largely targets supporters, health chiefs have encouraged anyone still awaiting their injection to turn up without an appointment - providing they have left an appropriate period between doses.
Anyone over the age of 18 can be vaccinated, as long as it is their first vaccination, or they can get their second if they are eight weeks past their first.
Pat Wynne, Director of Community Nursing, NHS Lothian, said: “We are delighted to be working with Hibs to be deliver more life-saving COVID vaccines to as many people as possible.
“If you are attending football, and are due to be vaccinated, please consider taking advantage of this facility and visit us.”
The Easter Road side carried a message reading 'Thank You NHS' on last season's home and away shirts as part of a move to honour those working during the covid pandemic.
Jack Ross's men face the English giants in front of a home crowd for the first time since March 2020 before taking on Championship side Raith Rovers on Friday in warm up matches ahead of their 2021/22 campaign starting in earnest with a Europa Conference League qualifier on July 22.
Hibs will face either Andorran side Santa Coloma or Gibraltar's Mons Calpe in the second qualifying round of the competition before kicking off the Scottish season with a trip to Motherwell on August 1.
Mr Wynne added: "It has now never been easier to get your COVID-19 vaccination. Whether you going to a football match or taking a quick break from work, we are making it as easy as possible to come forward for vaccination.
“While these units are being put in place to primarily target football fans, they are also community resources and I would encourage anyone in the Easter Road area today to come and visit the clinics and get their vaccine.”
The clinic runs from 2pm to 6pm on Tuesday.
