87,000 Fifers get first COVID vaccine, but region lags behind Scottish rate

A total of 87,000 Fifers have now had their first COVID vaccination - but the region continues to lag behind the rest of Scotland, according to the latest data.
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NHS Fife has opened 12 vaccination centers with a 13th about to be added in Oakley.

But the fact the region is behind the rest of Scotland for the fifth week prompted questions from Willie Rennie MSP, leader of the Scottish Lib Dems.

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Data published by Public Health Scotland showed the number of individuals who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination in Fife was below the Scottish average at only 25.21% compared to a national average of 27.64% of the population.

Picture Michael GillenPicture Michael Gillen
Picture Michael Gillen

That put the Kingdom third lowest in the table of health boards on vaccine roll out and compares with much more rural areas such as the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and the Highlands which have all surpassed 30%, as has neighbouring NHS Tayside.

The North-East Fife politician called for an explanation from NHS Fife, adding: “The vaccine is part of the route out of this pandemic and the risk to life, the economy and our way of life.

“The public would find it unforgivable if we failed to keep up the pace.

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“We need assurances that we can up the pace and if there are issues with the roll-out then they must be raised so that they can be fixed.

“People’s lives and livelihoods are on the line and we must get this right.”

NHS Fife stressed “considerable progress” continues to be made.

Scott Garden, director of pharmacy and medicines, said: "Our community clinics are largely operating well following problems with the national booking system, and the exceptionally heavy snowfall.

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“Despite these challenges, some 87,000 people in Fife have now received their first dose vaccination.

“While we are certainly encouraged by the recent progress that has been made, with around 10.5% of adults in Fife vaccinated against COVID-19 last week alone compared to around 8.5% nationally, we are continuing to tightly monitor our vaccination rates and supply to ensure that we continue to meet national targets, and vaccinate our eligible population as quickly as possible.”

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