More than 6,000 flu vaccinations made amid backlog of requests for appointments

NHS Fife says more than 6,000 flu vaccinations have been made amid a backlog of appointment requests.

The health board has had to deal with major demand for vaccinations this year.

Its apologised for any anxiety caused as a result to a delay in allocating appointments to over 65's.

Anyone who has tried to book an appointment after receiving a letter is being advised to allow the health board until the end of next week before contacting them again.

It's to allow them to deal with a backlog of calls, e-mails and texts and anyone who has left one will be contacted back by its call handling team.

NHS Fife insists there is more then enough vaccine to go round.

The health board is also advising anyone who has yet to receive a letter not to contact them yet.

NHS Fife Chief Executive, Carol Potter said: "Over recent days we have put in place a number of measures to increase the capacity we have available to arrange flu appointments.

"While this has allowed us to begin tackling the backlog of calls and correspondence we have had, we appreciate that some people have continued to experience difficulties making an appointment and we apologise unreservedly for the anxiety that this is causing.

"Our call handlers are working extremely hard in difficult circumstances and, while we appreciate the frustration of those trying to get through, we ask that callers can continue to be polite and courteous to those arranging their appointment.

"In order that we can maximise the number of appointments we can make, it is vital that only those who have already received a letter inviting them to arrange their flu jab – predominantly those over 65 - should contact us.

"People between the ages of 18-64 with eligible health conditions will receive their letter in the coming weeks and should only call once they have received this.

"Similarly, those who have already made contact by text or email should not call our phone line to check whether these have been received – in such cases we are actively contacting patients to arrange these appointments.

"The flu campaign this year is starting much earlier than in previous years and runs right through to December."

Carol Potter also says NHS Fife has had adjut the way flu vaccinations are delivered this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She added: "While we have had to adapt the way we deliver vaccination this year as a result of COVID-19, there continues to be a sufficient number of appointments available to ensure those who are eligible and want their flu jab will get it.

"I would like to reassure those awaiting an appointment that we continue to have sufficient supplies of vaccine despite the exceptional demand.

"Furthermore, we are also working closely with community pharmacies across Fife to monitor demand for vaccines, as they receive their vaccines directly from the suppliers."