Amid the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, Vitalant and other blood centers nationwide are urging healthy people to donate blood – and for organizations to maintain scheduled blood drives – to ensure patients have the lifesaving blood they need.
The blood collection process is safe. In addition to the vigorous Food and Drug Administration-mandated testing of all blood components donated, Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols at blood drives and donation centers. Giving blood has no impact on the donor’s immune system.
COVID-19 transmission occurs like the spread of the flu. To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
Vitalant is closely monitoring the situation and will quickly implement any necessary changes as new information emerges.
For more information and to schedule a donation, visit www.vitalant.org or call (877) 258-4825.
