Can you donate blood after a COVID-19 vaccination?

Good news – In most cases, there’s no blood donation deferral time if you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer is important in determining your eligibility to donate blood.

Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine will need to provide the manufacturer name when they donate. Upon vaccination, individuals will receive a card or printout indicating what COVID-19 vaccine was received, and we encourage vaccinated people to bring that card with them to their next donation. In most cases, there is no deferral time for individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they are symptom free and feeling well at the time of donation.

The following eligibility guidelines apply to each COVID-19 vaccine received, including second doses:

• There is no deferral time for eligible blood donors who have received a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. including J&J, Moderna and Pfizer.

• Eligible blood donors who do not know what type of COVID-19 vaccine they received must wait two weeks before giving blood.

• If you have further eligibility questions, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The American Red Cross follows FDA blood donation eligibility guidance for those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and deferral times may vary depending on the type of vaccine an individual receives.

ONGOING NEED FOR DONORS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The Red Cross has a constant and ongoing need for blood and platelet donations. With the ongoing pandemic, the Red Cross needs the help of blood and platelet donors and blood drive hosts to meet the needs of patient care.

The Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. As part of that effort, plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. We are committed to helping others in meaningful ways during this pandemic.

Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant. As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate in areas that have issued shelter in place declarations or are operating under a phased reopening plan. The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. As hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, donors are urged to give now to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.

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