As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well.

Getting a flu shot doesn’t affect blood donation eligibility, according to the Red Cross.

One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free.

For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are needed to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 1-15:

• Kersey, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Fox Township Senior Center, 365 Main St.

• Ridgway, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.

• St. Marys, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.

• Weedville, from 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 14, Weedville Wesleyan Church, 18945 Bennetts Valley Highway

• Duke Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7, Otto-Eldred High School, 143 Sweitzer Drive

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.