Can I donate blood or platelets after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine there is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving these vaccines and you can donate blood now. However, if you receive the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or a vaccine from any other manufacturer, you will need to wait two weeks before donating blood.

How do I know which vaccine I received?

When you receive your COVID-19 vaccination you should receive a vaccination card indicating which COVID-19 vaccine you received.

Do I need to provide documentation that I received the COVID-19 vaccine to donate blood?

During the registration process to donate blood, your OneBlood phlebotomist will ask you if you received a COVID-19 vaccine, which vaccine you received, and when you received it. The FDA requires that these questions be asked to determine donor eligibility. If you do not know the answers, you will not be able to donate. To simplify the process, you can also bring your COVID-19 vaccination card and show it to your phlebotomist.

What if I do not know which vaccine I received or do not have a vaccination card?

If you arrive to donate blood and you do not know which COVID-19 vaccine you received you will not be able to donate blood and will need to wait two weeks before donating blood, as a precautionary measure.

I had COVID-19 and received the COVID-19 vaccine, can I donate blood?

Yes, if you had COVID-19 and have fully recovered from the virus, and meet all blood donor eligibility criteria, you can be a blood and/or platelet donor.

I recovered from COVID-19 and received the COVID-19 vaccine, can I donate convalescent plasma?

At this time, OneBlood is not accepting convalescent plasma donations from individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Although the FDA has given permission for these individuals to be convalescent plasma donors (if they meet all donor eligibility criteria), the decision by the FDA requires complex computer changes to be made. OneBlood is in the process of making these changes as quickly as possible. If you have a convalescent plasma appointment scheduled and need to change your appointment based on this information, please call, 407-858-4939.

If I received the COVID-19 vaccine, will my blood donation test positive for the COVID-19 antibody?

The goal of the COVID-19 vaccination is for your body to develop an immune response to the virus and develop antibodies to COVID-19. Therefore, it is a possibility that after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine you will test positive for the COVID-19 antibody. At the present time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is evaluating further how the COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.

How do I know if my positive COVID-19 antibody test result is from the vaccine, or if I really had COVID-19?

The test OneBlood performs does not differentiate between an antibody your body makes as a result of having had COVID-19 versus the antibody your body produces as a result of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. To make that determination it is recommended that you consult with your doctor.

If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine and develop antibodies to COVID-19 as a result of the vaccine, can I donate convalescent plasma?

No. Only people who have had COVID-19 and who meet all FDA blood donor eligibility requirements can be potential convalescent plasma donors.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

OneBlood is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is following all FDA blood donation eligibility guidance for people who receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

It’s important that people who are eligible to donate blood, platelets or convalescent plasma make it habit. By donating each time you are eligible you are helping ensure a ready supply is available at all times.

To make an appointment to donate blood or platelets click here.

To make an appointment to donate convalescent plasma click here.