Fife residents now have the option of attending for flu and COVID vaccination at a clinic in South Queensferry as well as continued access across Fife as part of an expanded offer to help protect Fife’s citizens this winter.
The winter flu and COVID-19 programme has been running since September. While vaccination appointments remain available across Fife until late-December, an arrangement with NHS Lothian enables Fifers to book a vaccination just over the Forth in South Queensferry until 10 December.
Fife residents can also attend any drop-in vaccination clinic in the Lothian area, with no appointment necessary. Details of these drop-in clinics are available on the NHS Lothian website.
Patients attending clinics in Fife for COVID-19 vaccination currently receive the Pfizer vaccine while those attending clinics in the Lothian area will instead receive the Moderna equivalent. Both vaccines offer a similar level of protection against the effects of COVID-19.
Lisa Cooper, Head of Primary and Preventative Care for the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said of the new development:
“Throughout the vaccination programme, we always try to make arrangements as flexible and accessible as we can to ensure all of those eligible and wishing to be vaccinated can do so.
“The programme still has some way to go and we want to enable as many local people as possible help protect themselves against flu and COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. While we still have vaccination appointments in Fife, the use of NHS Lothian’s clinic in South Queensferry means we are able to offer an increased number of appointments over the coming weeks.
“Importantly, whether visiting friends or relatives across the Forth or working in Edinburgh, Fife residents can also make use of NHS Lothian’s drop-in clinics with no appointments necessary.
“Drop-in vaccination clinics are also being planned here in Fife, and the details of these due to be confirmed shortly.”
More than 40,000 people in Fife are currently booked for vaccination at clinics across Fife before the end of the December. Those eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines and who have not yet arranged vaccination are being urged to do so soon as possible.
Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Immunisation Co-ordinator for Fife, Dr Esther Curnock said:
“Getting vaccinated remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against the viruses circulating this winter.
“During the colder winter months we are much more likely to stay indoors, often in groups – this increases the chances of catching respiratory viruses like flu and COVID, as well as colds and other flu-like illnesses.
“That is why it is so important that those who are eligible for vaccination against flu and COVID, and particularly those in high-risk groups like the over 75’s, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, get the vaccine as soon as possible.
“Though many people may have been vaccinated against these viruses previously, we know that protection fades over time. Similarly, both the flu and COVID virus change and new variants emerge. It’s vital, therefore, not to let your protection fade by getting vaccinated against the most common strains of these viruses.”
To check eligibility for the flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter, visit NHS Inform at: www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines, where you can also and book an appointment.
[ENDS]
Notes to editors:
- More information about the winter vaccines, including eligibility and the online booking portal, is available at: www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines.
- For those who cannot access the portal, you can phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to book or rearrange your appointment. The helpline is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
- Pregnant women can also book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with further information available from midwives.
