Eds: APNewsNow; UPDATES firing of Alberta Health Services staffer.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) A senior staff member for Alberta Health Services has been fired for giving the Calgary Flames swine Flu shots while thousands of people waited in line for the vaccine last week.

The board, which reports directly to the Alberta government, won't name who was dismissed Wednesday, but says it was wrong to give the Hockey players and their families preferential treatment.

Members of Flames were given swine flu shots at a special clinic last Friday as thousands of people waited in line for the vaccine or were turned away.

The revelation angered many people who have criticized Alberta's swine flu vaccine rollout, which was plagued by long lineups before it was shut down Saturday.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-04-09 1640CST | save this article / add to your favorites list