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Yes, the Red Cross now accepts blood donations from individuals who lived in the U.K., Ireland, or France
March 21, 2025/
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
- vCJD and the Red Cross:The Red Cross previously had restrictions on blood donations from people who spent time in certain European countries, including the U.K., due to concerns about variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), a human form of “mad cow” disease.
- Lifting of Restrictions:The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its guidelines, and the Red Cross has lifted these restrictions, making more people eligible to donate blood.
- Who is now eligible?Individuals who lived in the U.K., Ireland, or France between 1980 and 2001, or who received blood transfusions in those countries during that period, are now eligible to donate blood, as long as they meet all other donor eligibility requirements.
- How to find out eligibility:If you have been previously deferred for travel, residence, or transfusion in the United Kingdom, Ireland, or France, you can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276 to initiate donor reinstatement.
- Red Cross Encourages Donations:The Red Cross encourages individuals who were previously unable to donate due to these concerns to now consider donating blood.
