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September 6, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Shots Could Cut Blood Supply"

Raleigh News & Observer (www.newsobserver.com) (09/05/02) P. B3; Rochman, Bonnie

The American Red Cross reports that blood supplies in the Raleigh-Triangle area of North Carolina are predicted to dip more than usual next year because of a large-scale hepatitis A immunization program that was implemented after a worker at an area grocery store was diagnosed with the disease.  As many as 7,000 people were vaccinated during that program, and individuals who receive the vaccine are prohibited from giving blood for one year.  Jennifer VanGundy, director of blood services for the area chapter office, said the current stocks of O-positive and O-negative blood are at critical levels, meaning there is less than a one day supply for each.  She noted that only 5 percent of eligible donors actually give blood and any loss in levels of contributions means possible loss of life.

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