Updated 3/2/21 | Donating After COVID-19 Vaccination

When can I donate if I got the vaccine? 
The following COVID-19 vaccines are permitted without a deferral period: AstraZeneca, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Novavax and Pfizer. If you are unsure of the name of the COVID-19 vaccine or it is not listed, you will be deferred from donation for 14 days.  

Can I donate if I was in a vaccine trial? 
The following COVID-19 vaccines are permitted without a deferral period: AstraZeneca, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Novavax and Pfizer. If you are unsure of the name of the COVID-19 vaccine or it is not listed, you will be deferred from donation for 14 days.  

When can I donate if I received convalescent plasma? 
Donors must meet all normal blood donor criteria and deferral requirements, including the 3-month deferral from the date of CCP transfusion. 

Can I donate convalescent plasma if I receive the vaccine?
You are eligible to donate convalescent plasma after receiving a vaccine if: 

• You received the AstraZeneca, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Novavax or Pfizer vaccine AFTER being diagnosed with COVID-19.
• ​You had symptoms of COVID-19 and a positive diagnostic COVID-19 PCR test result and can provide a copy of those test results. Symptoms vary but could include, shortness of breath, cough, fever or chills, fatigue, headache, loss of smell/taste, nausea, diarrhea and body aches. Asymptomatic individuals are ineligible to donate convalescent plasma after receiving the vaccine.  ​

Please note:

• If you are unsure of the name of the COVID-19 vaccine you received or if it is not listed above, you will be deferred from donation for 14 days. 
• ​You are eligible to donate convalescent plasma if you received the COVID-19 vaccine after diagnosis of COVID-19 and are within 6 months after complete resolution of COVID-19 symptoms. If you are still experiencing loss of taste and smell, you may still be eligible to donate.  
• ​If you receive a vaccine then subsequently test positive for antibodies after donation at SCBB, that does not qualify you to donate convalescent plasma. 
• ​If you are interested in donating convalescent plasma after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and/or have further questions, please call (619) 400-8182. 

Can I donate if I’m a healthcare worker who received the vaccine?
Healthcare workers who have had close contact in the workplace with a known or suspected COVID-19 patient can donate blood if:

• They have been fully vaccinated, including booster, when eligible, with the following COVID-19 vaccines: AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Novavax or Pfizer.
• They have worn full PPE, including an N95 mask, and have had no breaches in PPE in the past 10 days.
• They meet all standard blood donation eligibility requirements. 

Does getting the vaccine give you COVID-19 antibodies? 
After receiving the vaccine, you may test positive for antibodies; however, you are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. The FDA is working on updating guidelines, as more information about the vaccines and convalescent plasma donation become available. Until then, those who have recovered from COVID-19 and those that have been vaccinated may donate whole blood, plasma, or platelets, which are greatly needed.

Do I need to bring my vaccination card to my appointment?
Please bring documentation of vaccination to your donation appointment, including the name of the vaccine and date of administration.  

Note: Those who have recovered from COVID-19 that have not been vaccinated may continue to donate convalescent plasma for as long as they have antibodies.