Andhra Pradesh: Donate blood before getting jab, request blood banks

VISAKHAPATNAM: Blood banksand volunteer organisations in Vizag are urging the public to donate blood prior to getting vaccinated as the city is on the brink of shortage. From May 1, Covid-19 vaccinations will begin for all above 18 years of age.Once vaccinated, people may have to wait for a few weeks or a couple of months before they can donate blood in accordance with existing rules and the type of vaccine administered.Every summer, there is at least 50% scarcity of blood due to fewer camps. But the pandemic has made matters worse with blood banks looking at 80–90% shortage. Dr A Sugandhi, medical director of AS Raja Voluntary Blood Bank, said, “This year we are going to have a scarcity of blood due to fewer donation camps, the raging pandemic and the vaccination drive for people between 18 and 45 years of age. Most donors are from this age bracket.”“The worst sufferers will be children and patients suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia. Many accident victims and pregnant women also need blood. We appeal to the public to donate blood as a moral duty before getting vaccinated,” added Dr Sugandhi.