Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, (SEHA) has called on people to donate blood even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccines. The UAE's largest healthcare network underlined the significance of blood donation for saving the lives of patients in need. The authorities have noted that vaccinated people can donate blood within 14 days of receiving the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. They have asserted that each donor helps in saving the lives of at least three people with their donation.

Speaking about the noble cause, Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Acting Group Chief Operations Officer, SEHA, asserted that it is crucial for all members of the community to regularly donate blood.

"Blood is our lifeline, and our blood banks need a consistent supply of blood to protect the interests of the entire community, especially our brothers and sisters who require life-saving transfusions," he added.

Dr. Al Kaabi further stated that currently there are no substitutes for blood therapy, urging all members of the community to participate in the efforts to save the lives of those in need of blood.

In this regard, he stressed that some patients, such as those diagnosed with Thalassemia or Sickle Cell Anemia, need blood therapy every three weeks. Blood transfusions are also crucial for saving the lives of those people who have faced major incidents or accidents that resulted in major blood loss.

Dr. Al Kaabi also affirmed that the authorities have made all possible efforts to ensure that the blood donation process is safe and efficient for donors in accordance with international practice. He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, SEHA introduced a number of robust safety and precautionary measures at the blood banks.

"The process is not only completely safe for donors, but there is also no risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus during donation," Dr. Al Kaabi added.

He further urged all members of the community, including those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, to donate blood as a noble public health service.

Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services is continuously working to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of blood inventory at the blood banks in order to support the requirements of 50 public and private hospitals across the Emirate.

Those people willing to donate blood can go to either Abu Dhabi blood bank or the Al Ain branch from Saturdays to Thursdays. While the Abu Dhabi branch is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, the Al Ain branch is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm to all donors.