Reminder, Flu & COVID-19 vaccines don’t affect your eligibility to donate blood

By on Friday, October 13th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

OREGON – (Information from American Red Cross – Cascades Region) With the recent push to fill the national blood shortage, the American Red Cross has been bombarded with new donations but also questions regarding eligibility and health. In response, Red Cross have issued the following release covering concerns with vaccines in addition to asking Oregonians to donate blood if possible:

“Since announcing a national blood and platelet shortage a month ago, thousands of donors across the country have rolled up a sleeve to help rebuild the American Red Cross blood and platelet supply. As that generosity continues, the Red Cross is working around-the-clock to ensure patients have access to lifesaving transfusions and must collect 10,000 additional blood and platelet donations – over and above expectations – each week over the next month to sufficiently meet hospital needs. Donors of all blood types are urged to book a time to give now, especially those with type O blood or those giving platelets. 

Don’t wait – patients are counting on critical care this fall. To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines don’t affect donor eligibility

As cold and flu season quickly approaches, the Red Cross is reminding donors that they can still give blood or platelets after receiving a flu vaccine, so long as they are feeling healthy and well on the day of their donation. Likewise, there is no deferral or wait time for those receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine.”

Upcoming blood donations in Union and Baker Counties include:

Union County:

  • Thursday, October 19
    • La Grande High School
    • 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 8
    • Eastern Oregon University Hoke College Center
    • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 14.
    • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    • 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 15
    • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Baker County:

  • Monday, November 6
    • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    • 12:00 p.m. – 06:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 7
    • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
    • 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/

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