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

The flu shot doesn’t affect blood donation eligibility.

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

For those who 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 urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the 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 include:

Monroe County

• Nov. 1: 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 927, 1 Fairground Road, Gilbert.

• Nov. 2: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono, 206 E. Brown St., East Stroudsburg.

• Nov. 7: 1 to 6 p.m., Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 675 Belmont Ave., Mount Pocono.

• Nov. 9: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Eastern Monroe Public Library, 1002 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg.

• Nov. 11: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Northampton Community College, Pocono Hall, 2411 Route 715, Tannersville.

Schuylkill County

• Nov. 1: 1 to 6 p.m., Fairlane Village Mall, Mall Office, 7211 Route 61 North, Pottsville

• Nov. 12: 2 to 7 p.m., Life Centre Foursquare Church, 2300 Mahantongo St., Pottsville.

• Nov. 12: 1 to 6 p.m., St. John United Church of Christ, 150 Pine St., Tamaqua.