NHS Fife 'on course' to meet government vaccination targets

NHS Fife says it is "on course" to meet Scottish Government targets for the vaccination of frontline health workers, care home staff and residents, and those aged 80 and over.

Since the vaccination programme started last month, more than 13,000 healthcare and social care staff have been vaccinated in the Kingdom.

That part of the programme should be completed by February 5.

Residents aged 80 and over are the latest priority group to begin vaccination, with GP practices also on course to complete first-round vaccinations by early February.

People aged 75-79 will be in the next priority group and will be asked to attend one of the newly established community clinics rather than their GP practice.

The vaccination of this group will be phased over a number of weeks, with appointment letters beginning to arrive for some this week, ahead of the first clinics opening next week.

A total of 12 venues have been confirmed as community vaccination sites, with an additional site still to be confirmed in west Fife. These will open on a phased basis, with the first site offering appointments next Monday.

Attendance at these clinics is by appointment only.

NHS Fife director of pharmacy and medicines, Scott Garden, said: "The Covid-19 vaccination programme is enormous and will take a number of months to complete, however, we’re pleased with the progress made in vaccinating frontline staff, those living and working in the Kingdom’s care homes and our over-80s population.

"The scheduling of vaccinations for these groups has been challenging. Thanks to diligent planning, coupled with the dedication of our vaccinators in our hospitals and our medical practices, we remain on course to vaccinate these groups on time.

"Importantly, we believe that we are well-placed to build upon the progress made so far and we will reach another important milestone next week as we begin to see those aged 75-79 vaccinated in our community clinics across the Kingdom."

There is more information on the local vaccination programme on the NHS Fife website.