Ask the Physician
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | January 2022
I ’ m a first responder and usually donate blood when the Red Cross is in my town . Their next blood drive is a week after I get my COVID booster shot . Can I still donate ? Jocelyn L ., North Bergen
Jocelyn , that is a great question . During this time while we are experiencing a severe blood shortage , many people who have gotten vaccinated aren ’ t sure if they can still donate blood . The American Red Cross -- which runs most of the blood drives in our country -- is following specific blood donation eligibility guidance from the FDA . In general , as long as you are symptom-free and feeling well at the time of donation , there is no deferral time . Sometimes people have mild side effects from the vaccine . In that case , it ’ s better to wait until you feel 100 % OK . When you go to donate , you will be asked what type of vaccine you received . And please remember , that when you do go to donate , strict safety protocols are in effect to protect both you and the staff , including masking , social distancing , use of sterile gloves , and other precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy .
Please , donate ! We urgently need every unit of blood that we can get .
For more information visit www . redcrossblood . org to find out more about safety protocols or to find a location to donate near you . For more information about Deborah Heart and Lung Center visit www . DemandDeborah . org or 855-646-3484 .
Betsy Schloo , MD Pathologist & Vice President , Medical Affairs Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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