'AT risk' Forest of Dean residents are being urged to protect themselves against influenza by attending their GP surgery for a flu vaccination.

GP Dr Ingalill Sandys, at Cinderford's Dockham Road surgery, said: "Most healthy people will make a full recovery from a bout of the flu, but if you are vulnerable you are more likely to end up with complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

"Our patients are well informed and know that along with the ethos of 'Catch it, Bin it, Kill it' we can all help reduce the spread of colds, flu and other viruses. Doing this and receiving your flu jab can keep you out of hospital and even save your life."

Residents in the high risk group are being urged to make an appointment. This includes people over 65, or patients of any age with chronic breathing difficulties, heart disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, chronic neurological conditions, diabetes and those with surpressed immune systems. Doctors say it is also wise for carers or healthy pregnant women to be vaccinated.

At risk patients whose surgeries are offering pre-booked appointments should contact their surgery to arrange vaccination (see table).

Anyone in doubt as to whether they qualify for a flu jab should contact their surgery for advice.

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SURGERY INFORMATION

Clinics commence –

Blakeney Surgery, 01594 510225 - October 8 - at Blakeney School

Bream & Yorkley, 01594 562437 - October 3 - at Bream Surgery - AM Clinics

Yorkley Health Centre - October 3 - PM Clinics

Brunston Surgery, 01594 833255 - October 20 - at Brunston Surgery

Coleford Health Centre, 01594 838108 - October 3 - at Coleford Heatlh Centre - Mondays & Thursdays

Dockham Road, Cinderford, 0844 815 1058 - October 7 - at Cinderford Health Centre

Drybrook Surgery, 01594 542239 - October 3 - at Drybrook Surgery and Drybrook Memorial Hall - At-risk patients will receive invitations

Forest Health Care, Cinderford, 0844 477 3681 - October 7 - Tues & Fri PM clinics

Lydbrook Health Centre, 01594 860219 - October 20 - at Brunston Surgery - Dates at Lydbrook to be confirmed

Lydney Health Centre, 01594 842167 - October 5 - at Lydney Health Centre - 3 x drop-in clinics in October

Mitcheldean Surgery, 01594 542270 - October 15 - at Huntley Village Hall, October 22 at Mitcheldean Community Centre

Newnham & Westbury, 01594 516241 - October 15 - at Newnham Surgery

Ruardean Surgery, 01594 542225 - October 5 - at Ruardean Surgery - Wed PM Clincs

Severnbank Surgery, Lydney, 0844 477 8645 - October 5 - at Severnbank Surgery - 8am-6pm walk-in (no appt. required), more dates available