TWO veteran councillors have clashed over the wisdom of having the flu jab.

Tory Jacqui Slater and Liberal Democrat Paul Browne rowed during Thursday night’s Blackburn with Darwen full Council Forum meeting.

She said steps should be taken to promote the take-up of the vaccination against influenza.

But Darwen East’s Cllr Browne said he had never had the jab and would not recommend it.

Blackburn South and Lower Darwen ward’s Cllr Slater said: “I am concerned about take-up of the flu jab.

“The council must make sure we have enough supplies of it in the borough for September. Everyone should have it.”

Cllr Browne said: “I have never had the flu jab.

“I don’t believe you have to have one. It is a matter for individual choice.”

Cllr Damian Talbot, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s health and wellbeing boss, said: “We think the flu jab is very important. We encourage people to have it - especially the vulnerable, the young and the elderly.”