People can donate blood two weeks after Covid-19 shot as appeals made for more donations

Medics reiterate that donations can be given safely without fear of contracting or passing on coronavirus

A Dubai ambulance worker is vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in Dubai.

An older resident receives her first shot at Zabeel Health Centre on December 27, 2020.

The vaccine is expected to be rolled out to all age groups once people in the essential categories have been vaccinated.

A nurse holds a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was approved for use by Dubai's emergency and crisis authority and the federal Ministry of Health.

An employee from Roads and Transport Authority receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai.

A woman receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

The city has six vaccine centres where the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is available.

A man waits to receive the first of two doses at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

A vial of the vaccine is seen at Barsha Health Centre. AFP

A nurse prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at al-Barsha Health Centre in Dubai. AFP

People can donate blood 14 days after the first or second dose of any Covid-19 vaccine.

The reassurance came as appeals were made on Thursday for more donors.

Medics reiterated that donations can be given safely without fear of contracting or passing on coronavirus.

In April, the Abu Dhabi's blood bank fell to an all-time low, as donors feared contracting the virus.

"We have ensured that the blood donation process is safe and efficient, in line with global best practice for donors," said Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, acting group chief operations officer at Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha).

"During Covid-19, we introduced additional, robust, safety and precautionary measures at the blood banks."

Blood is in constant demand at Latifa Hospital where donors can call in to give blood for use in hospitals around the UAE. Ravindranath K / The National

Medics introduced strict rules to tackle coronavirus such as thermal scanning, social distancing and deep sanitisation.

To date, there is no data or evidence that the virus can be transmitted through blood.

Thousands of people need blood transfusions every day, and some patients such as those diagnosed with thalassemia or sickle cell anemia require blood therapy every three weeks. Each donor contributes to saving the lives of at least three people.

"It is vital for all members of our community to regularly donate blood," said Dr Al Kaabi. "Blood is our lifeline and our blood banks need a consistent supply of blood to protect the interests of the entire community."

“There are currently no substitutes for blood therapy, and all members of the society must consider the possibility and day where they, a friend, or family member would require a blood transfusion too.”

The aim of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services is to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of blood inventory to support the needs of 50 public and private hospitals in the emirate.

Both the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain banks welcome donors from Saturday to Thursday.

The Abu Dhabi branch is open from 7:00am to 10:00pm, while the Al Ain branch is open from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

For more information on blood donation visit the Seha website.