Second person fired after Flames' vaccination clinic
Jodie Sinnema, Edmonton Journal
Published: Friday, November 06, 2009
EDMONTON - A second person has been fired by Alberta Health Services for involvement in giving the Calgary Flames and their families the H1N1 vaccine last week.
A statement released by the health authority detailed how the hockey players got their shots without having to stand in hours-long lineups with other members of the public.
"A Calgary Flames medical representative approached Alberta Health Services on Oct. 27 through a staff member to see if an H1N1 immunization clinic would be made available to the Flames and their families," the statement reads.
Oct. 27 was the second day the vaccination was available to everyone in Alberta. "The request was forwarded to a more senior AHS staff member, who in turn took it to a supervisor and the request was approved."
The clinic for the players and their families was held on Oct. 30 at Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary, one day before the province closed the doors of all mass immunization clinics because of huge public demand and a vaccination shortage. In total, 150 vaccinations were provided to the players, their families and other personnel.
"There is no written record of approval to proceed and there is no process for authorization of the use of the H1N1 vaccine for this purpose, as it contradicts existing protocols and processes," the statement says. "Use of the vaccine was not discussed or authorized above the level of the individual who authorized its use."
The name of the most senior staff involved, who was dismissed earlier this week, has not been released.
The investigation is complete and no further disciplinary action is being considered.
"An advisory has been sent reminding all AHS clinical personnel involved in the H1N1 vaccination campaign to ensure that it is understood that no exceptions will be made to existing protocols and processes," the statement reads.
Currently, only pregnant woman and kids under five years old and more than six months old can get their shots at provincial clinics, which were reopened Thursday.
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