Villa and Palace stadiums boosting COVID-19 vaccinations

The stadiums of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are the latest stadiums being used as vaccination centres in the fight against COVID-19.

The Holte End at Villa Park will house National Health Service staff and volunteers to administer up to a thousand vaccines a week, with the hub open every day, even during matchdays.

Christian Purslow, Villa’s chief executive officer, said: "A large number of our staff will be working as volunteers in the programme and we would encourage everyone within our community who receives an offer from the NHS to have a vaccination at Villa Park to please do so."

Earlier in the pandemic, Villa Park was used to help the NHS, with hospitality suites housing a maternity clinic where postnatal and antenatal care was delivered by midwives.

Palace's pride

Selhurst Park is set to become one of London’s biggest vaccination venues, with a hospitality lounge in the main stand adapted to deliver the vaccine safely from this week.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "Delivering the vaccine to our local community is imperative if we are to help people return to their lives. We are proud that Selhurst Park is playing an important role in aiding the NHS with the launch of this vaccination centre.”

Last year, Selhurst Park was used by London Ambulance Service staff for rest and meal breaks, with hot food and refreshments provided by club chefs.

Clubs helping NHS

Throughout the pandemic, Premier League clubs have been providing their facilities and resources to help the NHS and those in need in their communities hit by the virus. 

Elland Road and Manchester City's Etihad Campus are being used as vaccination centres, while Old Trafford and the Amex Stadium are hosting training sessions for people administering vaccinations.