We’ve all heard the phrase many times, “Blood, it’s in you to give” and many have often considered making a blood donation and more have taken that step to “save at least three peoples’ lives”. While others are wondering if it’s still possible to “Give the Gift of Life” during a pandemic, and what if you've been recently vaccinated?

Steve Raizen, Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services, has some answers for us.

Firstly, Raizen says that they have made some changes at their donation sites due to Covid-19 to ensure the safety of everyone. He says they have enhanced their wellness measures by asking more screening questions before an appointment. Donors will also be given a clean mask, to make sure that everyone has the same quality of mask and will have their temperature taken. Once they’ve been cleared, they’ll be able to enter the donation site. Due to the Public Health restrictions in place, all blood donation appointments must be made prior to arriving at the donation site, everyone must wear a mask and practice physical distancing whenever possible.

When it comes to the number of people making blood donations, during the pandemic, Raizen says the numbers have gone down in Steinbach, but it’s the same in other communities across Canada. That said, he appreciates the 'dedicated people' who are able to keep their appointments. However, he says, "if on your donation day you don't feel well, contact the Canadian Blood Services and cancel your spot so that they can offer the appointment to another donor. We've had a great response from donors throughout the pandemic and are grateful to everyone for helping maintain an adequate level of blood products for patients."

When asked about making a blood donation after having received a Covid-19 Vaccine, Raizen says, those who have received a vaccine can still donate.

He says that "the Canadian Blood Services prioritizes both patient's and donors' health in providing a safe and accessible blood supply to Canadians." He assures those considering making a blood donation that they have carefully reviewed and assessed each vaccine authorized for use in Canada and so far, Health Canada has not imposed any restrictions when it comes to the four authorized vaccines and making a blood donation. In other words, if you are feeling well on the day of your donation appointment and have recently had a vaccine, you are still welcome to donate.

Raizen also addressed another question many may be wondering about, “If you’ve received a Covid-19 Vaccine and you make a blood donation, is the person receiving your blood then immunized as well?” to which Raizen says, “No, the person receiving your blood donation is not immunized as well.”

However, he clarifies “not being a medical expert, my understanding is that with the Covid-19 vaccines, once it enters the body cell there’s no evidence that their transfused blood collects from donors who were previously vaccinated for Covid 19. As well the blood donation from a person who’s received a vaccine poses no harm to transfusion recipients.”

Simply put, “one cannot pass on the vaccine to someone else.” 

Finally, to Steinbach donors, he says, "Thank you." Canadian Blood Services is grateful that many southeastern Manitobans continue to make blood donations, especially throughout the pandemic.

The Canadian Blood Services is considered an essential service and so, while public health orders encourage Manitobans to stay home, Raizen says Steinbach and area residents are allowed to leave their homes to donate blood. He even suggests calling up a friend or family member to meet at the donation center. "Make it an outing while doing something good. It might help with the feeling of helplessness during this pandemic."

Canadian Blood Services generally sees a reduction in donations through the summertime, however at their bi-weekly donation events in Steinbach, they keep seeing the dedicated donors returning.

To make your appointment visit their website www.blood.ca download their app or call 1-888-to donate.