CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Over the last two decades, blood donations to the Red Cross have fallen 40%.
With that in mind, there are a lot of questions on social media about who can donate.
THE QUESTION:
Can you give blood if you just received the COVID-19 vaccine?
THE ANSWER:
This answer varies based on what type of vaccine you received, and when.
TRUE: According to the Red Cross, you can give blood right away if you get the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, or Pfizer.
FALSE: If you got the live COVID-19 vaccine or are unsure what type of COVID-19 vaccine you received, you must wait two weeks before donating blood.
OUR SOURCES:
WHAT WE FOUND:
According to HHS, there are several types of COVID-19 vaccines, including the mRNA vaccine and the live attenuated vaccine.
The mRNA gives your cells instructions on how to make a protein found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus, and your cells begin to make that protein so your body knows how to fight the virus.
The attenuated live vaccine uses a weakened form of the virus that causes illness. They help your immune response if you actually get COVID-19 cause your body recognizes the germ.
This rule does not just apply to the COVID-19 vaccine. According to AABB, you should wait before giving blood with other live attenuated, viral, and bacterial vaccines.
The recommendation is to wait two weeks after receiving vaccines for:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Polio
- Yellow fever
A four-week period is recommended after receiving vaccines for German measles and chickenpox or shingles. If you have the flu, COVID-19, or even a cold, the American Red Cross said to hold off on blood donations until you are healthy again.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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