VICTORIA - BC's top doctor addresses outrage over queue-jumping today after the Abbotsford Heat hockey team got H1N1 vaccines even though they're not part of this week's eligible group. Dr. Perry Kendall says he did not authorize the queue-jumping, nor will he for professional sports teams.
The incident with the Heat comes just days after members of the Calgary Flames and their families got the H1N1 vaccines at a private clinic last week.
An Alberta health official has been fired over the incident, but here in BC, Dr. Kendall says he only plans to speak with the Heat's physician about his decision.
The Vancouver Canucks say they'll wait their turn for the H1N1 flu shots, and so will the Victoria Salmon Kings. Inside the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, the team is focussed on prevention instead.
The Salmon Kings no longer share water bottles and their towels are washed regularly. And they have an air purifier in the locker room.
Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre itself is also being scrubbed ahead of this weekend's Stone Temple Pilots concert. Management is reminding staff of cleaning procedures in advance of the show.
Just as arena staff are sticking to their rules, Dr. Kendall insists physicians stick to his rules when handing out the H1N1 flu shot. As for doctors who charge patients for the vaccine, Dr. Kendall says he'll consult the College of Physicians and Surgeons when dealing with individual cases.
