Huge demand for flu jabs in Fife swamps phone lines

MSP urges health board to get its act together
Flu vaccine (Pic: Jon Savage/TSPL)Flu vaccine (Pic: Jon Savage/TSPL)
Flu vaccine (Pic: Jon Savage/TSPL)

There has been a huge demand in Fife for flu jabs.

Phone lines have been jammed, sparking a complaint from Alex Rowley MSP.

NHS Fife said there was no shortage of appointments - despite the surge in demand.

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Mr Rowley, (Mid Scotland and Fife) called on the health board to “get its act together” after people sent letters were told to call a number, and then couldn’t get through.

He said one constituent had spent a week trying to get through, without success.

They either got a recorded message saying the system was experiencing high call volumes and asked them to try again - or they were cut off.

Mr Rowley said: “According to the BBC taking into account factors such as population growth, the proportion of vulnerable people receiving the jab has fallen.

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“Figures from the last winter flu season show local authorities in Scotland it was 43%

“This is a shocking statistic, and will there be a significant improvement this year with the change in the method of delivery? I fear not.”

NHS Fife said it had experienced “a huge response” from Fifers seeking their annual flu jabs.

It said: “Our phone lines have been exceptionally busy so far and we are aware that some people have experienced difficulties getting though.

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“There are no shortage of appointments available, with many vaccination clinics planned to take place in community venues across Fife in the coming weeks and months.

“We really appreciate the understanding shown thus far and we ask for your continued patience.”

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