Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) – Information for Donors
17 June 2009
The primary responsibility of the New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) is to ensure the availability of sufficient safe blood for patients in the New Zealand healthcare system. From a blood safety and supply perspective the pandemic influenza strain is behaving in the same way as seasonal influenza. Therefore NZBS will be applying the same approach to pandemic influenza that we use to manage seasonal influenza. This approach has been endorsed by the Ministry of Health Pandemic Influenza Technical Advisory Group (PITAG).
Blood is needed everyday by patients in hospitals and the demand does not go away during a pandemic. However a pandemic will significantly reduce the availability of eligible blood donors and this situation will be worse if it occurs at the same time as the normal winter seasonal influenza. So please continue to donate if you are in good health.
IF YOU BECOME UNWELL WITH FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS IN THE NEXT 48 HOURS IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REQUEST THE WITHDRAWAL OF YOUR DONATION.
Please ring the number on the “SPECIAL NOTICE FOR BLOOD DONORS” card you were given.
Or ring 0800 GIVEBLOOD 0800 448 325 and please:
- Identify yourself
- Where you donated blood,
- Advise when you began to develop symptoms of influenza
- Request that your donation be withdrawn.
It is more important than ever that if you are able to donate blood then you should continue to do so. You can usually donate blood every three months, up to four times a year. Please make an appointment in the normal way by calling 0800 GIVEBLOOD – 0800 448 325 or by Book an appointment.
Additional Collection Sessions
Additional collection sessions have been organised to build up stocks of blood during this time. Find your local donor centre for their additional hours.
