IT'S that time of year again – as temperatures start to plummet, those nasty little flu bugs are poised to strike, and Forest doctors are urging everyone in high-risk groups to get a protective jab at their local surgery.

While most healthy people will make a full recovery from a flu infection, if you are vulnerable you are more likely to end up with complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and sadly some people may die each year. Pregnant women are also being urged to get the vaccine, to protect themselves.

Dr Ingalill Sandys, at Cinderford's Dockham Road Surgery, said: "Our patients are well informed and know that 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 suppressed immune systems. It is also sensible for carers or healthy pregnant women to be vaccinated too.

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

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

Flu jab clinics: Blakeney Surgery (01594 510225) Saturday October 6 at Blakeney School (children's clinic to be arranged); Bream and Yorkley (01594 562437) Monday October 8 at Bream Surgery and Yorkley Health Centre – please telephone for appointment; Coleford Health Centre (015694 838108) Monday October 8 at the Centre (telephone appointments); Dockham Road Surgery, Cinderford (0844 815 1058) Saturday October 13 at Cinderford Health Centre (telephone for appointments); Drybrook Surgery (01594 542239) first half of this month at Drybrook Surgery and Drybrook Memorial Hall (all at-risk groups should be contacted); Forest Health Care, Cinderford (0844 477 3681) Tuesday October 9 at Cinderford Health Centre (telephone for appointment); Lydbrook Health Centre (01594 860219) October 4 at the Centre (telephone if you have not already attended); Lydney Health Centre (01594 842167) October 31 and November 6 at the Centre (open clinics 8.30am-6pm); Mitcheldean Surgery (01594 542270) October 20 at Huntley Village Hall and October 13 at Mitcheldean Community Centre; Newnham and Westbury Surgery (01594 516241) October 27 at Newnham Surgery; Ruardean Surgery (01594 542225) October 17 at the Surgery.