It’s fine to donate blood if you’ve received flu or COVID vaccines

Don’t delay donating blood just because you’ve received a flu shot or a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

You are still eligible to donate blood as long as you are symptom free, according to a recent news release from the American Red Cross.

Although flu activity is low at this time, the American Red Cross is concerned about the effect the 2021-2022 flu season will have on its ongoing blood shortages.

A potential spike in cases combined with the upcoming holiday season, and general concern about COVID could drive blood supplies even lower.

Through Nov. 23 donors will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. Those who donate Nov. 24 to Nov. 28 will receive a pair of Red Cross socks, while supplies last, the release said.

Nov. 16: 1 to 6 p.m. in the assembly hall gym at the University of St. Francis’ St. Clare Campus, 1550 Plainfield Road in Joliet. A news release from the University of St. Francis said donors should consider making a Power Red donation if they are blood type O, B or A – donor, since “red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component,” the release said. Power Red donors give two units of red blood cells during one donation through the use of a special machine, according to the Red Cross website.

Nov. 19: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Community Service Council, 440 Quadrangle Dr., Suite C, Bolingbrook; and The Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook.

Nov. 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 1293 Windham Parkway, Romeoville; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Louis Joliet Mall, 3340 Mall Loop Drive, Joliet.

Nov 26: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 1293 Windham Parkway, Romeoville.

Nov. 29: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Romeoville Recreation Center, 900 W Romeo Road, Romeoville.

Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois has a donor facility at 2625 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet. Visit donate.illinois.versiti.org and click the “Schedule to Donate” tab.