Stockholm - A Swedish ice hockey team Thursday issued an apology after it was disclosed that its players jumped the queue for vaccinations against swine flu, also known as A(H1N1). The news that Leksand IF players had been vaccinated, although they do not belong to a risk group, has generated a row.
Swedish health authorities have stated that risk groups include people suffering from chronic heart or lung disease, or diabetes. They should be vaccinated first before the general population is vaccinated.
Leksand's team physician apparently placed an order for 50 doses and vaccinated the players earlier this week.
The physician had said the doses were to be used for risk groups at his practice, local media reported.
"We deeply regret if we have done anything wrong and sincerely hope that we have not caused any damage or delays," a statement posted on the team's web site said.
Leksand is one of Sweden's most storied ice hockey teams, and is currently in the 14-team second-tier league.
