Omicron in Fife: Biggest ever vaccination drive as centres prepare to be swamped

Such was the clamour for Covid-19 booster doses, dozens of people hoping to be seen at the drop-in clinic in Kirkcaldy’s former Marks and Spencer High Street on Monday evening eventually had to be turned away as vaccinators were inundated by members of the public keen to do their bit in the fight against the virus’ spread.

The drop-in clinic from 5:00pm to 8:00pm was only for people aged 30 or over requiring a booster, and for everyone else eligible for their first or second dose, but the response from the public saw lengthy queues stretch along the High Street and some were left disappointed.

However, NHS Fife is stepping up its vaccination drive in the run-up to Christmas and a range of other walk-in clinics have already been organised in locations across Fife.

Saturday in particular could see a massive spike in the number of people seeking their jabs, with clinics in both Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes being laid on for an incredible 12 hours from 8:0:00am to 8pm in a bid to get round as many people as possible.

The provision has been made in response to calls from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for people to get their third dose before the end of the year.

Designated appointments for people aged 30 or over were made available from 10am on Monday morning, while the same will be true for all adults by the end of this week.

But thousands of people will still be hoping the more convenient drop-in clinics will be able to cope with demand over the festive period to increase Covid-19 protection for them and their loved ones.

Drop-ins will be held at the former Argos in Glenrothes’ Kingdom Centre and the former DW Sports unit in Dunfermline’s Kingsgate Centre from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, December 14, with a further one at the Lochgelly Centre from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, December 15.

St Andrews Community Hospital will also host drop-in clinics from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Thursday, December 16.

Then the focus turns to the weekend where extra staff are being drafted in to locations in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Methil, where 12-hour sessions are planned.

Jabs will be offered from 8:00am to 8:00pm at the former M&S in Kirkcaldy High Street and the former Argos in Glenrothes’ Kingdom Centre on Saturday, December 18, before

The Studio in Methil’s Den Walk will host a further all-day clinic from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Sunday, December 19.

Frontline workers have also been told they can attend any of the above drop-in clinics for their flu and Covid boosters without an appointment.

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