This is one reason why there are limits around the world on who can donate blood. I received a blood transfusion as a child in the UK in the 90s, and specifically because of it being that country/period, I will never be able to donate blood here in Australia.
I thought the time limit in Australia expired recently (as in: within the last two to three years).
As of July 25, 2022, the Australian blood donation rules that previously barred individuals who lived in the UK for more than six months between 1980 and 1996 from donating blood have been lifted.
Maybe worth double checking at your local blood donor centre. There always seems to be a shortage of blood.
I received a blood transfusion in the UK during this time.
I saw this announcement a while back and checked, and I am still covered by this and unlikely to ever be able to donate blood. Most people don't receive transfusions, and it's much higher risk, so pretty much no reason to get rid of that limitation.
Turns out I was wrong, in 2023 the niche for those receiving a blood transfusion was lifted. This was separate to the 2022 lifting of the restrictions on UK donors in general.
