More people will be able to donate blood – restriction on people who lived in the UK removed
Starting on 30 March 2026, the permanent ban on blood donation in Finland for people who lived in the United Kingdom between 1980 and 1996 will be lifted. On the same day, the upper age limit for first-time donors will be raised to 65. As a result of these changes, blood donation will become possible for more people.
People who had lived in the UK during 1980–1996 were not allowed to donate blood in Finland.
This was due to the variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease that occurred in the United Kingdom at the time, namely the so-called mad cow disease, and the infection risk it caused. Research evidence shows that these restrictions are no longer necessary,” explains Johanna Castrén, Director of Blood Donation at the Blood Service.
The removal of the donation ban is based on extensive international scientific evidence and an updated risk assessment. Several countries, including Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Austria and Spain, have already removed similar permanent donation bans.
“I am very pleased that many people who previously lived in the UK have the opportunity once more to participate in this important voluntary activity,” says Laura Davies, the British Ambassador to Finland.
Just over 5,000 British citizens live in Finland. In addition, many Finns have been permanently barred from donating blood because they lived in the UK when they were younger.
Removing the restriction will not compromise donor or patient safety. All necessary safety and screening practices will continue to be followed in blood donation activities.
Upper age limit for first-time donors rises to 65
From the end of March, the upper age limit for first-time donors will increase from 59 to 65. This means that people can start donating blood up to the age of 65 and continue donating until the age of 70. At the same time, the requirement for people over 65 to donate at least every two years will be removed.
Age limits for blood donation are based on medical risk assessments and statistics on adverse effects related to donations. European recommendations and a national risk assessment support the age limit changes that will now take effect. The changes are also influenced by the increase in average life expectancy.
“We are pleased that these changes can be made, enabling blood donation to be possible for more people. We do not want there to be any unnecessary barriers to blood donation,” says Johanna Castrén.
Blood donation venues will be open on Easter Monday
Blood donation will be possible during Easter week. Donation venues will be closed on Good Friday, but on Easter Monday (6 April) donation sites will be open and blood donation events will take place around Finland. Opening hours can be found on the Blood Service website.
