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"No SEN provision for flu vaccinations"

About: Fife Community Services / Immunisation Service

(as a carer),

We have just been down to the flu vaccination clinic at Glenrothes to get vaccines for myself and my adult son who is autistic and has mental health issues. A staff member there informed me that they had run out of vaccines and suggested we attend a clinic in Kirkcaldy tomorrow.

Getting to a clinic at a reasonable time to make sure there is a supply left is impossible for us due to my sons sleeping pattern (caused by his mental health issues). Additionally he cannot cope in crowded and busy situations, so we'd hoped to avoid that by coming later. 

The staff member was extremely unhelpful and clearly had no intention of helping a special needs person by working with us to find a way to get my son a vaccine. They shrugged and said it was first come first served after we explained. 

My issue is twofold. One, why on earth do you not have enough supply to take you through to closing time and two, why are your staff not trained in how to support SEN clients and aware of alternative arrangements? 

This is the second year in a row that we have been unable to access flu vaccinations because of a total lack of consideration for SEN needs and it's not good enough. 

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Responses

Response from Amanda Kowbel, Team Lead, Community Immunisation Service, NHS Fife last week
Amanda Kowbel
Team Lead, Community Immunisation Service,
NHS Fife

Team Lead NHS Fife Community Immunisation Service

Submitted on 28/11/2025 at 14:58
Published on Care Opinion at 14:58


picture of Amanda Kowbel

Dear Copperhobnob,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. I am very sorry your experience at one of our clinics was not a positive one.

I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you. I can be reached via email at amanda.kowbel@nhs.scot

Kindest Regards

Amanda Kowbel

Team Lead,

Community Immunisation Service

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