Can Someone Who Got the COVID Vaccine Still Give Blood?

If you're interested in donating blood and getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you're in luck: being vaccinated does not disqualify you from being able to donate. This is certainly good news for any of the one more than million Iowans who’ve gotten a COVID-19 vaccination in recent months, and more specifically, those in need of a life-saving blood transfusion.

What to know if you have been vaccinated, and want to donate

In a Radio Iowa interview, an American Red Cross spokeswoman shed some insight on what to expect if you plan to donate and you've been vaccinated. You will be asked which of the approved vaccines you received, the Moderna, Pizer, or Johnson & Johnson shot being the three possibilities. The story also says in most cases you do not need to wait for a specified amount of time between receiving the vaccine and giving blood.

Summer is a crucial time to give blood

Summer is a critical time to donate blood as most Americans are busy getting outdoors or vacationing. As we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will likely remain even more challenging to get people to donate since, as mentioned, they'll be less likely to have blood donations at the top of mind.

As a reminder, donating blood is not a time-consuming process. A blood donation only lasts five to ten minutes all total is unlikely to take more than an hour out of your day. So if you've rolled up your sleeve to be vaccinated, you can keep 'em rolled up and donate blood without concern about doing so this summer, even if you've been vaccinated for COVID-19.