Kingston had the second lowest percentage of pensioners in England immunised against flu last year putting them at risk of pneumonia and bronchitis.

Only 68 per cent of over-65s were immunised between September 1, 2011, and January 31, 2012, the latest NHS statistics revealed.

Dr Naz Jivani, chairman of Kingston Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The CCG, with the help of public health, will need to do a ‘deep dive’ to understand these figures and will address this at one of its forthcoming seminars.”

The lowest ranked trust was Hounslow, with only 64.8 per cent of over-65s immunised. The highest ranked was in Trafford, Greater Manchester, with 81.5 per cent immunised.

Elderly people, as well as pregnant women, young children, and people with serious medical conditions, are encouraged to get immunised to avoid developing bronchitis and pneumonia.