There is a national shortage of blood due to an earlier than usual start of the cold and flu season, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
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In a statement, the Red Cross said that every day 1400 regular donors in Australia are cancelling their appointments, the largest since March 2017.
The blood bank need an additional 5900 donors across Australia to give blood over the next fortnight in the lead up to the Queen's Birthday public holiday weekend. In NSW, the Blood Service need just over 1800 donors to come forward.
The call for blood types O and A is highest.
"Nearly 90 per cent of the Australian population has an O or A blood type, meaning these blood types are most in demand," Blood Service spokesperson, Helen Walsh said.
"We need people who are fully recovered from colds or the flu, and those who have avoided it, to take the place of those who are unable to answer our call," Ms Walsh said.
Historically, the cold and flu season can place a strain on the Blood Service as symptoms prevent existing donors from making their life-saving donations.
People are still able to donate if they have had a flu vaccination and donors affected by cold and flu symptoms are able to give blood seven days after making a full recovery.
"One in three Australians will need donated blood in their lifetime so the life you save could be that of a loved one."
To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
National Blood Donor Week will run from June 9-15 and the message this year is; 'the need for blood doesn't stop. Thank you for keeping Australia going.'
