There has been a huge response from those looking to arrange their annual flu jab across Fife this year. Our phone lines have been exceptionally busy so far and we are aware that many people have experienced difficulties getting through.
NHS Fife Chief Executive, Carol Potter said:
“We have seen an unprecedented response from those looking to arrange their annual flu jab over the last few days. While this is encouraging, we are aware that many people have experienced difficulties getting through to the dedicated phone line. We are very sorry that our systems and processes have not been adequate and effective enough to deal with the demand and would want to reassure the public of Fife that we are taking steps to rectify this. We accept that on this occasion our planning was not sufficient, and we should have been better prepared to deal with the level of calls experienced.”
“We appreciate this has caused understandable anxiety for some members of the public and we would like to offer our sincere apologies to those affected. We also want to thank local people for the understanding shown thus far and ask for their continued patience in the coming days.
“A significant number of vaccination clinics are planned to take place in almost 90 community venues across Fife in the coming weeks. Please be assured there is no shortage of appointments available, and all of those who are eligible to receive their flu jab will have the opportunity to do so ahead of flu season. We would encourage members of the public to hold off calling if they cannot get through immediately in the next few days and to try again next week when we will have increased our call handing capacity.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes to the way that flu vaccination in Scotland is carried out, with the campaign this year being delivered by health boards rather than by GP practices.
People across Fife who are in these ‘at risk’ groups have now begun to receive letters inviting them to arrange a flu jab in the coming weeks. A network of almost 90 vaccination clinics has been setup to take place in community venues across the Kingdom with the vaccination campaign beginning two weeks earlier than previous years. Moving to larger venues is essential in order to manage the anticipated rise in demand for flu jabs locally and ensure that the appropriate physical distancing and infection prevention measures can be put in place.
