An urgent call has been issued for type O and A blood donors following a sharp decline in donations as the flu season takes hold.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service says it needs 5,900 additional people to give blood over the next fortnight as an early start to the cold and flu season has seen up to 1,400 donors each day cancelling their appointments.

It says the upcoming Queen’s Birthday long weekend is expected to exacerbate the problem.

“We haven’t seen cancellations this high since March 2017, and as the number of people suffering cold and flu symptoms increases, it limits the number of regular donors who are able to give.

“In particular, we need people with O and A blood types to donate,” said Blood Service spokesperson, Helen Walsh.