Donating Blood in Times of Crisis: How to Help
What Is a Blood Shortage, and Why Does It Happen?
How Has COVID-19 Affected Blood Donations?
Is It Safe to Give Blood During the Pandemic?
- The Red Cross requires that donors wait 14 days after receiving a positive COVID-19 test or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms before donating blood.
- Blood donations are being tested for the COVID-19 antibodies or convalescent plasma. If you are a recovered coronavirus patient, giving plasma could help critically ill COVID-19 patients receive new FDA-approved treatment.
- Blood centers are following heightened safety protocols to keep donation centers safe. New safety and infection control measures at Red Cross sites include enhanced disinfecting of supplies, temperature checks before donors enter the facility, and face masks for every staff member.
- If you have received a COVID-19 vaccination, you must provide the manufacturer name at the time of donation. There is no wait period after vaccination for recipients of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, according to the Red Cross.