Emily
Editor, Senior Moderator
The confusion is probably why there is a blood shortage.
http://arkbi.org/about-us/newsroom/...-eligibility-confusion-for-blood-donors/2463/
COVID-19 Vaccines Create Eligibility Confusion for Blood Donors
January 31, 2021 (LITTLE ROCK) – While recent vaccinations have brought hope to many, they’ve also brought confusion from donors about how receiving the COVID vaccine affects blood donation eligibility.
...
The need for blood and platelets has risen sharply, as hospital demand for blood increases. Patients undergoing cancer treatments, those suffering trauma, or those battling chronic blood diseases all rely on blood. In fact, every two seconds, someone needs blood that can only be provided by a volunteer blood donor. COVID-19 patients not only receive convalescent plasma, but many also receive additional blood and platelet transfusions.
Currently, convalescent plasma donors—those who have recovered from COVID-19 and donate plasma for critically ill COVID-19 patients—are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma after receiving the vaccine. However, they can still donate critically needed blood or platelets.
“We will see an update to the eligibility of convalescent plasma donors who have received the vaccine, in a matter of weeks,” Armitage said. “We are in the process of implementing brand new guidance from the FDA.”
http://arkbi.org/about-us/newsroom/...-eligibility-confusion-for-blood-donors/2463/
COVID-19 Vaccines Create Eligibility Confusion for Blood Donors
January 31, 2021 (LITTLE ROCK) – While recent vaccinations have brought hope to many, they’ve also brought confusion from donors about how receiving the COVID vaccine affects blood donation eligibility.
...
The need for blood and platelets has risen sharply, as hospital demand for blood increases. Patients undergoing cancer treatments, those suffering trauma, or those battling chronic blood diseases all rely on blood. In fact, every two seconds, someone needs blood that can only be provided by a volunteer blood donor. COVID-19 patients not only receive convalescent plasma, but many also receive additional blood and platelet transfusions.
Currently, convalescent plasma donors—those who have recovered from COVID-19 and donate plasma for critically ill COVID-19 patients—are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma after receiving the vaccine. However, they can still donate critically needed blood or platelets.
“We will see an update to the eligibility of convalescent plasma donors who have received the vaccine, in a matter of weeks,” Armitage said. “We are in the process of implementing brand new guidance from the FDA.”