PEOPLE who have had coronavirus in Oxford are being urgently asked to donate plasma ahead of any autumn second wave of Covid-19.

The antibody-rich plasma of those who have recovered could save the lives of people who develop the virus in the next few weeks.

More than 920 donations have already been taken at Oxford donor centre so far but more donors are needed as currently around seven per cent of appointments are not being filled, due to the national reduction in cases.

There is a particular need for men to donate, because they are more likely to have high antibody levels.

ALSO READ: GPs accuse hospital trust of ‘closing its doors’ to some patients

NHS Blood and Transplant needs as many donors as possible to come forward now from the first wave of infections to enable as many donations as possible to be taken now.

The donated plasma may contain neutralising antibodies which could stop the virus spreading.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “The decline in infections is welcome but it has meant every potential donor is even more valuable.

"We urgently need people who have had coronavirus to donate now, ahead of any second wave.If you are from Oxford and you’ve had coronavirus, your plasma donation could save lives.

“We especially want to hear from men, even if they’ve had the symptoms but no test result, as they have higher antibody levels.”

Plasma donation takes around 45 minutes and the body quickly replaces the donated plasma and antibodies.

The Oxford donor centre is at John Radcliffe Hospital. Visit nhsbt.nhs.uk.