There are concerns that already-strained blood supplies could come under even more pressure with the arrival of the flu season.
Justin Kern of the Red Cross of Wisconsin noted information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which is expecting a severe flu season this year. That could reduce donations during the ongoing shortage of emergency blood and platelet supplies that are already at low levels not seen this time of year in over a decade.
If you’re concerned about donating after vaccinations for flu or COVID, the Red Cross says “don’t be.” There’s no waiting period following any of those shots as long as you’re free of symptoms. And although type-O blood is always in high demand, all types are needed, and anyone donating now through November 23rd will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card via email.
Appointments to donate can be made online at RedCrossBlood.org, or you can visit one of these upcoming area blood drives:
Elkhart Lake: 11/19/2021: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Elkhart Lake High School, 201 Lincoln St.
Plymouth: 11/11/2021: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, N5990 Country Aire Rd.
Sheboygan: In Sheboygan, blood drives are held each Friday between 10 AM and 3 PM at the Sheboygan Trades and Labor Hall, 1104 Wisconsin Ave.
Sheboygan Falls: 11/15/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Berkshire Community Gym, 101 School St.
