Know About Blood Donation After COVID-19 Vaccination

blood donation after covid-19 vaccine — (Source: nm)

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought our life to a standstill; only at these times that we realise the value of supporting each other. The pandemic has made the population feel helpless, searching around for basic amenities like oxygen all the way up to plasma donors. The need for blood and platelets are ongoing.

However, there is a growing concern over blood donation amidst this pandemic. People are perplexed whether blood donation after COVID-19 vaccine is possible or not.

Read along to know everything about blood donation after vaccination!

Can a Person Donate Blood After Receiving COVID-19 Vaccine?

It is safe to donate blood after being jabbed with the COVID-19 vaccine, as per the health professionals. Moreover, it is strongly recommended to donate it in this tough time as hospitals face a shortage of blood in the blood banks.

The American Red Cross reports that getting blood from someone who is vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine is safe and unscathed. With the ongoing pandemic, the organisation also stated the increasing need for blood and platelet donors in recent times.

Donating blood goes a long way in saving a life. Blood donation after COVID-19 vaccine is possible, and there is no need to worry about it. But in this pandemic, you must be aware of the safety rules before donating blood. Furthermore, if you are vaccinated, you need to know the right time to donate blood.

In India, both Covishield and Covaxin have a 2-dose regimen. The doses are registered four weeks apart for Covaxin and 84 days apart for Covishield. The deferral period between the first jab of the vaccine and blood donation has been reduced from four weeks to two weeks to prevent the escalating dearth of blood supply.

If health permits, then a vaccinated person can donate blood after 14 days of receiving the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We can donate blood after COVID-19 vaccination by keeping in mind the following time span.

Earlier in February, NBTC (National Blood Transfer Council) asked the blood banks to collect blood from the donors for 28 days post-vaccination regardless of the type of vaccine.

Does Blood Donation Reduce COVID-19 Antibodies in Your Body?

As per the American Red Cross, blood donation after the vaccine will not disrupt the donor's immune response to the same. Furthermore, donating blood does not reduce the COVID-19 antibody protection against the virus. Instead, your immunity system will replace the antibodies.

In addition, antibodies developed in a vaccinated person’s blood can be passively carried to the recipient via transfusion. The blood recipient could develop a minor amount of antibody in his body from this.

How to Prepare for Blood Donation?

Before a vaccinated individual proceeds to donate blood, there are a few things he or she should keep in mind to have a pleasant experience:

Be in Good Health

Seasonal illnesses like fever, cold, sore, upset stomach can disqualify an individual from donating blood. Also, if you are on strict medication, there are high chances that you will not be able to contribute. You should always mention the medicines you take to avoid adverse health effects.

Stay Hydrated and Have a Healthy Meal

You must have an adequate amount of fluid and eat protein and iron-rich food before donating blood to avoid fainting or dizziness. In addition, water helps in maintaining blood pressure.

Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol

Refrain from consuming alcohol before the day of vaccination. In addition, avoid smoking for at least 2 hours before donating blood as it may affect your body's hydration level.

In addition to these, have a good sleep the night before going for a donation. After vaccination, you can have a word with a doctor to know about your health status.

Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind Before Donating Blood

You are eligible to donate blood after getting the COVID-19 vaccination. However, you must follow a few safety protocols before going to donate blood.

Avoid donating blood if you suffer any symptoms like fever, vomiting, body ache, soreness etc., from the vaccine.
Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose despite your vaccination status.
Donate blood only if you have fully recovered from COVID-19.
You cannot donate blood if you are self-quarantined due to travel history or other exposure risks.

Every blood drive or donation centre like the American Red Cross follows the highest safety standards and infection control so that individuals do not hesitate to participate in the campaign.

On the whole, COVID-19 has knocked down the foundation of the community that donates blood. It was impossible to organise large blood donation camps due to restrictions on mass gatherings. However, with the rapid vaccination drive at present and general public awareness, blood donation after COVID-19 vaccine has become possible again.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ Can you donate blood if you have travelled recently?

Recently donors are asked whether they have travelled to a place with a higher risk of infection or not. However, coronavirus is not known to be transmitted by blood. But individuals who are in self-quarantine after returning from a foreign country should not donate blood for the protection of the staff and other blood donors.

✓ Can you catch COVID-19 after donating blood?

There is no such evidence of one getting affected with the virus after donating blood. Nevertheless, concerned organisations make sure they use new, sterile needles that are discarded after use. Moreover, pre-donation check-ups prevent people with symptomatic respiratory ailments from donating blood.