In terms of media saturation, swine flu is king. Media outlets are offering round the clock coverage of the pandemic, exploring every angle of the story. Who’s got the vaccine? Is it enough? Is the vaccine safe? And so it goes in the 24-hour news cycle.

Not to say it isn’t news. In Jasper, the schools are half empty and the town is overcoming the latest wave from the illness. In Alberta, the government’s stance changes daily, as they struggle to offer a plan that serves Albertans in an equitable manner. Who is a priority has changed frequently, and the word as of deadline is for Albertans to remain patient until later this week perhaps, when more vaccine will arrive.

Yet a recent report in the Calgary Herald that the Calgary Flames and their families had been given doses of the H1N1 vaccine while the rest of the population was forced to wait is unconscionable. Alberta Health Services is looking into the matter to see why the Flames didn’t have to endure long wait times, however team spokesmen said there was a deal with Alberta Health Services beforehand to ensure Iginla et al were protected.

While there is evidence H1N1 doesn’t discriminate against healthy and unhealthy, why a group of elite athletes, the picture of good health, were allegedly given preferential treatment goes against the values of Canadian Health Care.

Now perhaps one could argue Jay Boumeester is already under enough stress playing 30 minutes a game, or the team’s lack of secondary scoring is already at epidemic proportions. Flames fans suffer enough.

The Oilers are playing through Swine flu. They already have one confirmed case. And while they’d like to blame their inconsistent play on the illness, a better answer might be Shawn Horcoff.

But seriously, the tenants of Canadian Health Care lie in its universality. Allowing the famous to jump the cue simply doesn’t fit.

Hockey players are in close contact with one another and travel frequently, so I am willing to admit there is at least an argument. Vaccines are designed to protect those at home from outside invaders. And Alberta Health Services has changed their policy so frequently, it’s possible the team did have a prior arrangement that would have fit within the mandate at the time.

But how can an argument be made that the needs of wealthy professional athletes trump those of children, seniors and pregnant women?

A similar proposal was floated two weeks ago to vaccinate Canadian olympic athletes. It was argued that so much had been invested into their success, they deserved to be pushed to the front of the cue. Yet once again, there are others in much greater need of such medical attention. Those on fixed incomes who can’t afford to miss a day of work. Those with families who need support to keep the heat on. Seniors without the proper support networks. Many in town can attest to the debilitating nature of the flu. As always, it’s the most vulnerable who need the most support. Professional hockey players don’t fall into these groups.

And as a Habs fan, the last thing I want to see is the Flames receive a shot in the arm.