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A high-profile doctor who encouraged board members at his Toronto hospital to get the H1N1 vaccine last week says he regrets it.

Board members at Mount Sinai Hospital were offered the vaccine last Monday, the first day it became available, despite public health officials advising only those who were most vulnerable to line up for the shots.

Donald Low, chief microbiologist at the hospital, said there was no word of a shortage when Mount Sinai first began offering the vaccine to staff and others.

"It happened to be the same day that there was a board meeting at the hospital. And I encouraged board members to get the shot," Dr. Low said. "There was no indication that there would be any shortage. What seemed like a good idea at the time was a bad idea. And you got to pay the price for it."

About 65 people, including physicians, volunteers and board members, got the shots, and roughly 15 were from the high-risk groups. Those considered high risk include pregnant women, young children and adults under 65 with underlying conditions.

University Health Network, which includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital, also made the flu shot available to all staff members, including volunteers and board members. "We needed to ensure that we've got all hands on deck to meet the challenges of H1N1," said Robert Bell, chief executive officer of UHN.

Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews said yesterday that hospitals should stop making vaccine available to board members.