Other teams turned down
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Updated: November 05, 2009 10:21 AM
Although the Abbotsford Heat were able to obtain vaccinations for their players, other pro sports teams have not been so fortunate.
The B.C. Lions football team have not been immunized, despite one of its reserve players being diagnosed with H1N1. The flu bug also forced some players to miss practice Tuesday.
Lions spokesman Jamie Cartnell said the club, through its team doctor, made inquiries about the vaccine’s availability but “were told that due to the initial shortage of the vaccination we would have to wait until supplies become available.
“Until it becomes available through normal channels, we’re in a waiting pattern like everyone else,” he said.
At least two of the Heat’s AHL division rivals have not had their players immunized at this point. The Manitoba Moose and Hamilton Bulldogs told The News that they have looked into the possibility, but have not been able to secure vaccinations.
“Our doctors and the team have been working with the province through the proper protocol from the beginning,” said Scott Brown, Moose director of communications. “So at this time, that option is not yet available.”
In Alberta, the provincial government has launched an investigation into how the Calgary Flames managed to have their players and families, coaches and management vaccinated last Friday. They were inoculated despite a short supply throughout the province and many Calgarians waiting hours for a shot on the same day.
Team president Ken King said nothing was done outside of Alberta Health Services. Doctors recommended they get the vaccine because they were at high risk due to physical contact, extreme exertion and frequent travel.
The province is the only supplier of the vaccine in Alberta, and the first the province’s chief medical officer said he had heard about the Flames getting it was through the media.
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