An investigation has been opened into why six people from Chesterfield FC were given the coronavirus vaccine.
They were given COVID-19 jabs at short notice last week but the club insist they were only asked to come forward for the jabs to avoid wasting them.
NHS officials in north Derbyshire have said it's "unacceptable to jump the queue", but the National League club says most of the six were "vulnerable people" who made use of unused vaccines.
The club said in a statement: "A small number of Chesterfield players and staff – most of whom are classed as vulnerable people – have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
"In line with the NHS’ directive – that doctors and staff have the discretion to ensure that they can make full use of any unused vaccines, rather than have any go to waste – the people concerned were called at very short notice to receive the vaccine.
"They were only contacted after the surgery had exhausted all other viable options. Those involved were keen that these vaccines were not wasted, which would have been the case had they not received them.
"We continue to support the NHS’ brilliant work and have provided COVID-19 testing facilities at our stadium throughout the pandemic, so vital care can be administered.
"In line with the NHS’ directive – that doctors and staff have the discretion to ensure that they can make full use of any unused vaccines, rather than have any go to waste – the people concerned were called at very short notice to receive the vaccine.
"They were only contacted after the surgery had exhausted all other viable options. Those involved were keen that these vaccines were not wasted, which would have been the case had they not received them.
"We continue to support the NHS’s brilliant work and have provided COVID-19 testing facilities at our stadium throughout the pandemic, so vital care can be administered."
Chesterfield are adamant that they have not bypassed the roll-out procedure and it's believed the surgery’s decision to contact the club came after Chesterfield had previously offered up their facilities as a vaccination centre.
