Australia’s blood supplies have fallen to their lowest level in almost a decade, prompting Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to issue an urgent appeal for more than 16,000 people to donate this week, including 5,600 in Victoria.
A particularly long and severe cold and flu season has taken its toll on blood donations, with more than 1,200 donor chairs going empty across the country each day.
According to Lifeblood, blood supplies have dropped by 60 per cent since June, despite tens of thousands of Australians responding to appeals over winter.
The problem is that even a minor cold can stop someone from donating. Donors must be free of symptoms for seven days before giving blood, leading to cancelled appointments and fewer people turning up at donation centres.
Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said the number of people affected by cold and flu symptoms had remained unusually high from August through to early October.
“While these safeguards, alongside rigorous donor screening and testing, help ensure Australia’s blood supply remains very safe, they also mean fewer people can donate,” she said.
“That’s why we urgently need everyone who is eligible and well to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.”
The shortage is particularly serious for type O blood, with supplies under significant strain.
At the same time, hospitals continue to need blood for cancer treatments, surgery, childbirth and emergencies.
Australia’s ageing population, rising cancer prevalence and longer life expectancies are also contributing to growing demand for blood and plasma treatments.
Yet just three per cent of Australians donate blood.
For those who have never donated, Ms Stone said giving blood is also an opportunity to find out their blood type.
“All types are needed by patients right now,” she said.
With 5,600 additional donors needed across Victoria this week, Lifeblood is urging anyone who is healthy and eligible to make an appointment as soon as possible.
To make an appointment or find a donation centre near you, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or use the Lifeblood app.
Source: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood media release, 13 October 2026.
