WORRIED sunseekers are phoning Forest surgeries to try to get their second Covid jab early to avoid falling foul of travel rules.

But local health professionals - who are barred from giving the second injection fewer than eight weeks after the first - are urging people not to book holidays that need proof of vaccination unless they have had the required jabs.

They are also encouraging 16- to 18-year-olds to get their single shot Covid vaccine at drop-in clinics - as nearly 300 have already done.

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean Primary Care Network - which includes the 11 practices in the district - said: "A number of patients have been contacting their surgery trying to expedite their second dose - this is not possible.

"Patients are urged not to book holidays which stipulate the requirement to be fully vaccinated unless they genuinely are."

Lead nurse Tiff Carins, added: "Your vaccination status will be on your medical record - patients need to download the NHS app and complete the registration and access information to view their immunisation status.

"The app can be used in some places to demonstrate you are fully vaccinated - check gov.uk for further details."

Teenagers between 16 and 18 years of age are being urged to attend drop-in clinics at the old health centre in Dockham Road, Cinderford where it is hoped they will find the presence of volunteers of a similar age reassuring.

Young volunteers such as Tim Beard, Alicia Davies, Dan Jonesand Izzy Sykes have been working in non-clinical roles.

Izzy said: "We have been encouraging our friends through social media to come and get vaccinated.

"Many young people will be starting sixth form, college and university soon so should really think about getting their vaccine, especially as the 16 - 18 year olds only need a single dose."

Dan added: "If patients feel under the weather or anxious this will immediately be taken into consideration and the staff all do the best they can to comfort them."

Tim, who joined as a marshal and is now a senior administrator said: "I have gained experience working in patient-facing roles which will be great for future employment.

"Everyone has been amazingly welcoming and lovely to work with. The atmosphere is so supportive."

Alicia Davies, who currently does non-clinical work at the centre, now also has a job in healthcare and is looking to do nurse training next year.

Clinics will be held tomorrow (Saturday, August 28) between 8.40am and 12.40pm and on Wednesday, September 8 and Friday, September 10 between 8.40am and 12.30pm and 1.40pm and 5.30pm.

Vaccinations for 12- to 15-year-olds with immune system problems or who have family members with such conditions will take place from August 31 until September 4.

But local health professionals - who are barred from giving the second injection fewer than eight weeks after the first - are urging people not to book holidays that need proof of vaccination unless they have had the required jabs.

They are also encouraging 16- to 18-year-olds to get their single shot Covid vaccine at drop-in clinics - as nearly 300 have already done.

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean Primary Care Network - which includes the 11 practices in the district - said: "A number of patients have been contacting their surgery trying to expedite their second dose - this is not possible.

"Patients are urged not to book holidays which stipulate the requirement to be fully vaccinated unless they genuinely are."

Lead nurse Tiff Carins, added: "Your vaccination status will be on your medical record - patients need to download the NHS app and complete the registration and access information to view their immunisation status.

"The app can be used in some places to demonstrate you are fully vaccinated - check gov.uk for further details."

Teenagers between 16 and 18 years of age are being urged to attend drop-in clinics at the old health centre in Dockham Road, Cinderford where it is hoped they will find the presence of volunteers of a similar age reassuring.

Young volunteers such as Tim Beard, Alicia Davies, Dan Jonesand Izzy Sykes have been working in non-clinical roles.

Izzy said: "We have been encouraging our friends through social media to come and get vaccinated.

"Many young people will be starting sixth form, college and university soon so should really think about getting their vaccine, especially as the 16 - 18 year olds only need a single dose."

Dan added: "If patients feel under the weather or anxious this will immediately be taken into consideration and the staff all do the best they can to comfort them."

Tim, who joined as a marshal and is now a senior administrator said: "I have gained experience working in patient-facing roles which will be great for future employment.

"Everyone has been amazingly welcoming and lovely to work with. The atmosphere is so supportive."

Alicia Davies, who currently does non-clinical work at the centre, now also has a job in healthcare and is looking to do nurse training next year.

Clinics will be held tomorrow (Saturday, August 28) between 8.40am and 12.40pm and on Wednesday, September 8 and Friday, September 10 between 8.40am and 12.30pm and 1.40pm and 5.30pm.

Vaccinations for 12- to 15-year-olds with immune system problems or who have family members with such conditions will take place from August 31 until September 4.