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06 October 2025

Six surprising reasons blood donations decrease in autumn

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It's wild, it's windy - and we need you more than ever.

You might notice we're asking you make an extra special effort to #GiveBlood at this time. We are contacting donors with specific blood groups, and sharing Scotland's blood stock position on social media, asking people to come forward.

This is because blood donations can decrease by up to 20% at this time of year. Here are six surprising reasons why:

1. The weather

As the weather starts to change, and particularly after Storm Amy, we need people to come forward and help re-build stocks. It's important to remember, as the weather becomes Autumnal, it can be tempting to stay in and be cosy at home after a busy day. But hospital demand for blood, platelets and plasma continues in Scotland, whatever the weather – so please make an extra special effort to come forward.

2. The days are getting shorter

As your granny used to say, the nights are fair drawing in. You know it's happening. Maybe all the more reason to make an appointment now?

3. The Autumn TV schedule is just too good

Whether you're Strictly faithful, or counting the days to Celebrity Traitors, TV this Autumn looks epic. However, no matter what your preference, we still need YOU to donate. If the opening hours for your local blood donation session conflict with your favourite shows, why not watch them on catch up with a cuppa as a reward for your good deed?

4. Coughs, colds and vaccines

It's that time of year when just about everyone gets a cold. However, if you feel unwell, you can't give blood - even if you managed to make it through the day at work. If you do feel unwell, please do contact us to cancel your appointment – we can see a spike in the number of people not attending appointments at this time of ear, and this something we are eager to avoid.  

When can I give blood again if I've been unwell?

  • If you've had a cough or a cold, you can give blood when you're symptom free and feeling better.
  • If you've had sickness or diarrhoea, wait until two weeks after you've fully recovered.
  • If you've had your flu vaccine you can give blood straight away as long as you're feeling fit and well.
  • If you've had a Covid-19 vaccine (or booster vaccine) you can book in to give blood immediately provided you don't have any side effects from the vaccination

For any other symptoms, or if you've felt unwell after being abroad please get in touch.

5. School and bank holidays

October week and the September bank holidays mean disruption for the blood supply, as donors are busy.  However, we just wanted to let you know that children under 12 are welcome to attend session if accompanied by a parent, carer or guardian who is not giving blood.

6. Our donor centres are quieter than usual

We have noticed our five Donor Centres (in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness) are quieter than usual. This may be due to people working from home, or people having a break from visiting the city centre to socialise or go shopping. This means every donor centre has plenty appointments available. If you'd like to book as part of a group, with friends, colleagues or your local club, we'd love to welcome you. Your local recruiter can help you facilitate this - please do contact us.  

We hope you've enjoyed our six unusual reasons blood donations decline this time of year. Now you're armed with this information, we can't wait to see you at one of our sessions.

Current blood stock levels across Scotland Wednesday 29 October

O-
A-
B-
AB-
O+
A+
B+
AB+

We aim to retain 6 days of stocks at any time in order to meet the requirements of patients in Scotland.

Learn more about blood types