Almost 80,000 Covid vaccination appointments are being made available in Fife as part of the acceleration of the Covid booster programme.  

Capacity has increased by 70 per cent with the aim to provide around 78,000 appointments across Fife between now and the first week in January. 

Staff have been drafted in from other services and additional space has been created since the reduction in the amount of time people are required to wait after their vaccination. 

Anyone aged 18 and over requiring a first, second or booster dose is being encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible.  

Since going live on the national booking portal there has been a huge response from local people wishing to get vaccinated, with 23,000 new appointments booked this week so far.  

Lisa Cooper, Immunisation Project Director in Fife, said: “The ask to rapidly accelerate the pace of the vaccination programme has been really challenging, however, due to the hard work and flexibility of our staff we have been able to increase the numbers of appointments at our clinics by 70 per cent.  

“The response from people in Fife over the last few days has been really encouraging, and we are seeing thousands of appointments being booked each day.  

“While our clinics are now fully booked over the course of this weekend, there continues to be literally tens of thousands of appointments available at venues across Fife between now and the first week in January. 

“As we would expect, some times and clinics are more popular than others and so we are asking those who haven’t yet booked to look for appointments not just at the closest clinic, but also other clinics nearby.  

“We are continually monitoring the availability of appointments across all of our clinics, and we are working to make additional capacity available in those areas where the demand is at its greatest.” 

There are also several drop-in clinics available across the Kingdom for those aged 40 and over requiring a booster, along with those considered clinically vulnerable, and where no appointment is necessary. 

Drop-in clinics are also open to anyone eligible for a first or second dose. 

With significant demand anticipated at drop-in clinics in Fife, those planning to attend are being reminded that queuing is likely and there may be a wait to be seen, with those with booked appointments given priority. 

Lisa Cooper said: “We are asking people, wherever possible, to book an appointment in advance and there continues to be plenty of available appointments over the coming three weeks or so. 

“Booking an appointment in advance will make it less likely that you will be required to wait, and helps us with our planning, enabling us to ensure we have the correct staffing and supplies in place in each venue to deliver the significant volumes of vaccinations we are at present. 

“For those planning on attending our drop-ins, particularly over the course of this weekend, we are asking people to bear in mind that they may be required to wait and to ensure they are wearing warm clothing in the event they are required to queue outside, as may be necessary at some clinics.” 

Young people aged 12 and over requiring a first dose and those aged 16 or 17 requiring a first or second dose, are also invited to book an appointment for vaccination. Appointments can be booked using the national booking portal at: vacs.nhs.scot or by calling the national booking helpline on 0800 030 8013. 

Details of all upcoming drop-in clinics are available on the NHS Fife website here.

Further to this, NHS Fife have also stressed the importance of regular testing. 

Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still pass on the virus to others without knowing. 

Lateral flow drop-in testing sites and mobile testing units are located throughout Fife, open seven days a week. 

Nigel Kerr, Head of Protective Services, Fife Council, said: "Everyone visiting one of our community testing sites or mobile units will be fully supported throughout their visit by trained staff. 

"Staff can help to record the result online and if anyone does test positive, they will be offered a follow-up PCR straight away. Staff will also be able to provide a range of support, from a food package to financial advice." 

Community testing sites are located at: 

Kirkcaldy - Glebe Centre, Glebe Park, Kirkcaldy KY1 1BL 

Dunfermline – Leys Park Road Car Park, Dunfermline KY12 7QS 

Cowdenbeath – Maxwell Centre, 70 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath KY4 9DD 

Rosyth – Parkgate Centre, 110 Primrose Lane, Rosyth, Dunfermline KY11 2UW