DENVER - Apparently there is no special exception for Santa at least not for flu vaccines.
Nick Pallotto, 62, who plays Santa Claus in malls, turned up at a flu clinic in Colorado Springs and was denied a shot because he wasn't 65 or suffering from a chronic health problem.
"They asked me if I was 65, and I said, 'No, but I am Santa," he said Saturday.
For the past four years Pallotto has worked for Naturally Santa Inc., appearing as Santa Claus at malls in New Jersey, Denver and will work this year in Virginia.
Pallotto said he gets a flu shot every year because he has so many contacts with children. More than 10,000 kids were on his lap last year.
Under a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites) recommendation, only hospital workers, people with chronic conditions, babies and people over 65 qualify for a shot because of the nationwide shortage of flu vaccine.
"He does not fit any of the high-risk categories set down by the CDC. We couldn't break the rules just for Santa," said Chris Valentine, spokeswoman for Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs.
"Don't quote me on this because I really want a nice present this year," she added.
