Second time to be refused for blood donation

Last fall I went to donate blood as I have every two months since returning to Canada. Every time I donate the clinic automatically books my next donation date. And I am used to the detailed and time consuming Q&A session before each donation. This is how Canada protects its blood supply.

On this occasion I was asked if I had any recent vaccinations, to which I said I had a shingles vaccination about two weeks earlier.

"Sorry you cannot donate today. Come back in three months." And I went home.

Today was the first chance for me to return after the three month break. I did the usual paperwork in advance, drove to the clinic on schedule and was prepared for the Q&A. During the discussion I was asked if I had been out of North America recently and I replied I had recently returned from Japan.

"Sorry you cannot donate today." And I went home.

I guess I could continue to go back time and time again while learning more about why my reckless lifestyle is impacting my blood quality. But I think I will take a break for a year or so.

#blooddonation