Does COVID-19 vaccination impact blood donation eligibility?

MANCHESTER — This spring as COVID-19 vaccines become more available and people resume some of their favorite activities, the American Red Cross is reminding the public that the need for blood remains. Healthy individuals are encouraged to make a blood donation appointment now. But what about those who’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine — can they donate?

As long as donors are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer’s name, there’s no waiting period required after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. Additional blood donation eligibility information is available at RedCrossBlood.org/Eligibility.

Three reasons not to wait to donate:

• Donors, especially those with type O blood, are needed in May to help ensure blood products are available for patients now and into summer.

• Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five, powered by Suburban Propane.*

• Plus, those who make it in to give May 1-15 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, courtesy of Suburban Propane.**

Schedule an appointment now to give blood and make it a summer full of life for patients. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions — including temperature checks, social distancing and face masks for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 1-15

Belknap

Alton

5/6/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Saint Katharine Drexel Church, 40 Hidden Springs Road

Laconia

5/11/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Leavitt Park House, 334 Elm St.

Meredith

5/15/2021: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Meredith Office Complex, 8 Maple St., Suite 5

5/5/2021: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Meredith Office Complex, 8 Maple St., Suite 5

Tilton

5/1/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center, 120 Laconia Road

5/15/2021: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center, 120 Laconia Road

5/4/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Tanger Outlet Center, 120 Laconia Road

Carroll

Moultonborough

5/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Moultonborough Lions Club, 139 Old Route 109A

Wolfeboro

5/12/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 388 North Main St.

5/6/2021: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Huggins Hospital, 240 South Main Street

Grafton

Bristol

5/5/2021: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Marian Center, 17 West Shore Rd.

Plymouth

5/12/2021: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Common Man Inn, 231 Main Street