This social media claim is FALSE. You can still donate blood after getting a COVID vaccine. The Red Cross follows FDA guidance on blood donation eligibility.  If the vaccine you received is FDA-approved and you are symptom-free, you can give blood without a waiting period. If you do not remember the vaccine manufacturer, you will need to wait two weeks.

Multiple people on social media have claimed that the government must be hiding information on the safety of COVID vaccines due to the Red Cross asking individuals who want to donate blood if they have ever received the COVID vaccine and the recommendation to call the Red Cross to make sure that they can donate.

On February 23, 2024, Red Cross representatives addressed this claim stating that the question is asked about multiple vaccine types (COVID, MMR, shingles, etc.) in compliance with the FDA’s recommendation that an individual waits at least 14 days after receiving their last COVID vaccine.

If a potential donor confirms on the call with Red Cross that they received an FDA-approved vaccine and the donor has no symptoms at the appointment, they do not have to wait the two-week period. Also, after the two-week period, all COVID vaccine recipients are free to donate blood.

Blood from people who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 is safe for transfusion.

Donating blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine does not reduce your protection from COVID-19.

If the vaccine received hasn't been FDA approved, the effects are unknown, resulting in the Red Cross’ requirement to wait two weeks.