By WEB STAFF
sportsnet.ca
Both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors admitted Wednesday that some of their players and staff have received the H1N1 vaccine ahead of high-risk Canadians according to a newspaper report.
The Toronto Star optained statements by both the Leafs and Raptors saying the clubs were only following medical protocol by having their players injected.
"Any vaccine supplies received were obtained through normal distribution and no preferential treatment was requested nor received," the statement said in part from Leafs spokesman Pat Park.
The Raptors statement read "we are operating with a heightened awareness of influenza and taking appropriate precautions. While all professional athletes are considered high risk to exposure and transmission of the flu due to excessive contact with other players, heavy travel requirements and public exposure, only certain players and staff have received the H1N1 vaccine," wrote spokesperson Jim LaBumbard.
According to Toronto Public Health, those in the high-risk category for contracting H1N1 are pregnant women, children between six months and 5 years old, people under 65 with chronic health conditions and health care workers. Those who have received the shot have often waited in line for hours to do so.
