Media Release
Udupi, Apr 24: As per the new government order, people aged above 18 years are eligible for COVID vaccination from May 1 onwards. But, as per the guidelines, they are restricted from donating blood for 28 days after vaccination. Therefore, it is not possible to donate blood for about 2-3 months from two doses of vaccination. As most of the blood donors are between the ages of 18 and 40, experts are expecting an acute shortage of blood. The shortage of blood, may result in postponing emergency surgeries in the event of certain treatment of diseases and accident cases.
Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, hereby requests everyone to donate blood at the Blood Center of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal two days before taking the vaccination. If there are more than 10 donors, a vehicle will be arranged for pick-up and drop.