We Are Blood has now implemented new FDA guidance lifting prior geographic risk based deferrals for Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD or commonly referred to as Mad Cow Disease) effective immediately. This implementation is in support of FDA guidelines published in May and will allow more individuals in our community to safely donate blood.
The update removes an eligibility barrier for many active and former service members who were stationed in the UK, Ireland or France, their family members, and more.
vCJD is a rare disease of the central nervous system. Based on updated evidence, the FDA’s new guidance removes the deferral recommendations associated with geographic risk of vCJD for time spent in the United Kingdom (U.K.) from 1980-1996; time spent in France and Ireland from 1980-2001; and receipt of a blood transfusion in the U.K., France, or Ireland from 1980-present.
Prior FDA guidance implemented by We Are Blood in 2020, lifted similar geographic risk based deferrals for vCJD for individuals having lived or traveled in other European countries.
INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE ATTEMPTED TO DONATE AT WRB IN THE PAST BUT WERE DEFERRED DUE TO GEOGRAPHIC RISK FOR vCJD, WILL NEED TO SUBMIT THEIR INFORMATION FOR RE-ENTRY HERE.
The re-entry request will take 6-8 weeks to process and individuals will be informed by We Are Blood when they are able to make an appointment to donate.
Our implementation of this new FDA guidance will allow many more willing individuals to generously donate blood or platelets for local patients. New donors can make a lifesaving gift this holiday season and strengthen our community blood supply at a time when the need is greatest.
Individuals not previously deferred for this reason at We Are Blood can schedule an appointment at any of WRB’s four donor centers or at a mobile drive online or by calling 512-206-1266. Check locations for hours and days of operation.
Questions about this eligibility update? Please email us at whocandonate@weareblood.org