More vaccine queue-jumping alleged in NHL

TORONTO, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- An investigation was under way Friday into allegations Toronto Maple Leafs hockey players got preferential treatment in receiving H1N1 flu vaccines.

Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews told a news conference Thursday she wanted to know how and why the team got vaccinated while it was widely publicized the shots were initially designated for the highest-risk people, including pregnant woman and young children, the Toronto Star reported Friday.

"I don't care who you are, how rich you are, how famous you are," Matthews said. "If you're not in the priority group, get out of the line and let the people who are in the priority groups get their vaccination."

Canada is in a vaccine shortage situation after tens of thousands of people flocked to public clinics as health officials called for young children, pregnant women and those with lung conditions come first.

Earlier this week, an unidentified manager in Alberta's provincial health department was fired after giving the go-ahead to the Calgary Flames hockey team and their families to be vaccinated.