About 1000 regular voluntary blood donors are vaccinated to protect against Hepatitis B virus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in past 3 months. The free vaccination drive started on 14th June 2009 'World Blood Donor Day' by Prathama Blood Centre for regular voluntary blood donors to protect them against this deadly virus. The response was encouraging. Incidentally Gujarat in recent times witnessed outbreak of Hepatitis B. The vaccination provides them safety for next 5 years against the virus.

On popular demand from regular blood donors, the vaccination program is extended to the family members at nominal cost of Rs.50 per dose. Totally 3 doses will be administered in 6 months period. So far 2 doses are administered for 1000 regular blood donors and the organisation is aiming to vaccinate minimum 5000 voluntary blood donors in next 12 months.

Regular voluntary blood donors are important source of safe and reliable blood. They keep the safe blood supply alive. Protecting their health from common diseases becomes inevitable. The organisation feels this is a small step towards take care of voluntary blood donors as they are already doing a noble job.

Visit the publisher's website: http://www.prathama.org