It's again a time of year when Canadian Blood Services supplies need replenishing.  Tracey Smith is Director of Donor Relations for Manitoba, and says a shortage this time of year is typical.

"We see donations kind of go down a little bit during the holiday season," said Smith.  "So right now as we start the new year, we're hoping to have donors come back into the clinics to ensure patients have the blood they need."
    
Smith says they're hoping for donations of all blood types, however, there's especially a high need for O Negative donors.  

There has also been a change made in regards to donating after having the flu shot.  It used to be that once you've had the flu shot you weren't able to donate, and Smith says that's no longer the case.  "So anyone who recently got a flu shot, that used to think they had to wait a certain time period, can come in and donate right away."