COVID vaccine: Fife bottom of table but health bosses point to ‘significant progress’
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The Public Health Scotland figures, published today, showed the number of individuals who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination - and Fife’s 14.64% was below the Scottish average of 19.09% of the population.
That sparked concern from leading politicians, including Willie Rennie, North East Fife MSP who said it “confirmed a trend” of the region falling down the table.
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Hide AdHe said: “The vaccine is part of the route out of this pandemic and the risk to life, the economy and our way of life.
“We need an explanation of these numbers and an assurance that there are sound plans to catch up with the rest of Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“The government must answer what is going on and how they intend to get on top of this.”
In response, NHS Fife said the figures were based on data from February 7 - and didn’t reflect the “significant progress” made.
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Hide AdA spokesman said: “A total of 54,500 Fifers have now received their first vaccination, with the pace of the programme in Fife accelerating rapidly.
“Our vaccinating capacity has increased substantially this week with the opening of a further five large community clinics.
“This has led to record numbers of local people getting vaccinated, despite significant snowfall over recent days.
“Our vaccinating capacity will continue to increase this week as we move fully to seven-day operations at almost all of our clinics. We remain on course to meet Scottish Government directives on COVID-19 vaccinations for those aged 65-79.”