Winter 2020 Blood Drive: New Jersey Red Cross · Blood Donor App · Covid Safety Protocols · Other Kinds Of Donations · Vitalant · New Jersey Blood Services
As the holidays approach and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns about a potential spike in seasonal flu cases this year, it’s important that those who are eligible, healthy and feeling well make an appointment to donate blood or platelets. To address an ongoing emergency blood shortage, donors are urged to give now to combat the lowest blood supply levels at this time of year in more than a decade.
There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free.
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®, an online pre-donation health history questionnaire on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.