Kollam: As the Covid vaccine will be given to all people aged above 18 years since May 1, concerns arose regarding the decreasing stock in blood banks in the state as those who receive Covid vaccine would not be able to donate blood for the next 2-3 months.

One can donate blood only after 28 days of receiving the second dose vaccine. Even if both doses are given at the right time, blood cannot be donated within two and a half months.

60-70 percent of the blood donors in the state belong to age group of 18-45 years. If they could not donate blood, it can end up in a crisis. Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council (KSBTC) assessed that if the youngsters donated blood before their vaccination, the crisis can be overcome.

There is a shortage of 35 percent in the blood banks already as blood donation camps were not organised for over a year due to Covid situation. The volunteers are donating blood by reaching the blood banks.

Before Covid outbreak, upto 4 lakh units of blood used to store in the government blood banks in the state. About half of this was collected through blood donation camps. After Covid, the stock reduced to 2.5 lakh units.

However, there was less number of accidents and surgeries during lockdown and the demand for blood had dropped. Now, the requirement has rose to the usual level and more blood is required.

KSBTC vice chairman Dr R Ramesh said that this crisis can be easily overcome if all the healthy youngsters aged between 18-45 years donated blood one week before getting vaccinated. The campaign for this has been initiated under the leadership of National Aids Control Organisation, he added.