Blood Needed This Summer – Travel Abroad May Temporarily Prevent Donation
The need for blood products does not decrease during the summer, even though many people are on holiday. That’s why blood donation is important all year round. However, summer travel can lead to a temporary 28-day deferral. The West Nile virus transmission season in Europe runs from July 1 to November 30.
Blood donors are needed continuously, including during the summer months. Blood products are used to treat cancer patients, surgical patients, and victims of accidents. Most Finns of eligible age could donate blood, yet only about three percent actually do.
Travel to West Nile Risk Areas May Lead to a Temporary Deferral
Travel to areas where West Nile virus is present results in a 28-day deferral from donating blood. This precaution is intended to prevent the possible transmission of the virus to patients via donated blood, even if the donor shows no symptoms.
In Europe, the virus transmission season runs from July 1 to November 30, 2025. The deferral applies to anyone who has traveled to or spent at least 20 hours in these risk areas during that period.
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes and typically occurs in Southern and Southeastern Europe during the summer and autumn months.
West Nile virus risk areas
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild ones, such as fever and sore throat. In severe cases, however, the virus can cause serious conditions such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
In EU and EFTA countries, as well as in small European states, the following are considered risk areas for West Nile virus:
• Andorra
• Bulgaria
• Italy
• Eastern Austria, east of a line drawn between the cities of Linz and Graz. Travel to Vienna also results in a deferral. Travel within Linz and Graz does not lead to restrictions.
• Mainland Greece, including the Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Euboea.
• Croatia
• Monaco
• Southern France, in the area between the cities of La Rochelle and Grenoble, extending eastward to the Italian border. The restriction also applies to travel within La Rochelle and Grenoble.
• Romania
• Northern Germany, above the Borken–Dortmund–Hof line. This does not include the cities of Borken, Dortmund, or Hof.
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Hungary
From the Balkan region, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia are not part of the EU or EFTA. Travel to these countries results in a general 28-day deferral due to travel outside the EU/EFTA area.
When Can I Donate?
You can check when you’re eligible to donate again after traveling abroad by visiting the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service website.
During the summer, a suitable donation location might be near your summer cottage or along your holiday route.
Find your nearest donation site at: www.veripalvelu.fi/ajanvaraus
Travel-related restrictions do not apply to plasma donation. Plasma-only donations can be made at the Blood Service’s donation site in Vantaa.
