Last year, Isaac Hayden experienced the debilitating affect of COVID-19 and has urged the local community to follow him and his Newcastle United team-mates in getting vaccinated.
Hayden and first-team players including Ciaran Clark, Joelinton and Federico Fernandez this week attended "pop-up" events organised by Newcastle GP Services and Newcastle City Council at St James' Park and the club's training ground.
"It was really quick to do," Hayden told the club's official website. "I think it's important because more and more of the population have had it and the more barriers we can create to this virus the better.
"In my opinion I think it's the right thing to do.
Newcastle players urge people to get vaccinated
"I definitely don't want to have the virus again. It was awful. If I can do anything at all possible to protect myself then that's what I'm going to do."
The pop-up event is just one of many happening in Newcastle every day, with four specially converted vaccine buses touring the city throughout the week, along with pop-up community services and walk-in appointments at larger vaccine centres.
See: How to book your vaccination in Newcastle
"It's an important time now for people to get their jabs done and get the vaccine," said Clark.
"I think everyone's been sick of being stuck inside, the lockdowns, the isolating and everything. It's a way to move forward and hopefully keep people safe."
Newcastle are one of many Premier League clubs who have supported the vaccination rollout and are encouraging fans to get both doses.
If you are aged 18 or over you do not need to wait to be invited for a vaccine, you can book online at a time and location that works for you.
See: Book your COVID-19 vaccination
See: World Health Organisation advice on vaccination
