Tower Hamlets residents have been taking advantage of the seasonal flu jab this winter, according to results published by the Department of Health.

More than 75 per cent of people aged 65 years and over received the jab in the borough, beating the London uptake average of 71 per cent and the England average of 73 per cent.

Dr Somen Banerjee, director of public health in Tower Hamlets, put the success down to a strong publicity campaign by his department, which was promoted by GP practices and pharmacists.

He said: “The effect of the flu is often underestimated. For some people it can be really serious and can even cause deaths. The flu jab is proven to be very safe and effective against flu virus.”