Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19

Updated 9/30/22 | Blood Deferral Information In Relation to COVID-19

We are temporarily deferring blood donors that have traveled outside the U.S. in the last 10 days. Travel to Baja, Mexico is acceptable.  

• If blood donors cared for, lived with or otherwise have had close contact with an individual(s) diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 infection, they are deferred for 10 days from the last date of exposure with the individual(s). Healthcare workers, please review our vaccine FAQs.
• Donors who have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 are deferred for 10 days from the date the symptoms resolved. 
• People experiencing coronavirus symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, should not attempt to donate.
• 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.
• Eligible blood donors can donate blood regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Blood Donation and COVID-19

Do I need a blood donation appointment? 
No, however, appointments are encouraged and walk-ins are welcome.

Do I have to wear a mask or face covering when I donate blood? 
No. As of September 28, 2022, based on CDC’s latest guidance, So Cal Blood Bank will not require staff, volunteers, donors, vendors, contractors, and visitors to wear a face covering, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Face masks are not required.

Why did the mask policy change?
As of September 28, 2022, the level of community transmission in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Imperial County, and Orange County is rated “low” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What safety measures are in place?
Blood donor and staff safety are of the utmost importance. We currently have several measures in place.  

Current procedures:   

• Reducing the volume of people gathering at any one time.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
• Cleaning and disinfecting donor screening tools, such as clipboards and pens.
• Cleaning and disinfecting educational material sheet protectors.
• Cleaning and disinfecting hand grippers.
• Staff self-screening for upper respiratory symptoms (such as, but not limited to: coughing, shortness of breath) and fever.
• Posting the County of Orange and County of Los Angeles Social Distancing and Sanitation Protocol.
• Posting notices and screening donors if in the past 10 days: they have traveled outside of the United States, including cruise/river cruise; have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19; or cared for, lived with or otherwise had close contact with an individual(s) diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19.
• Following good hygiene practices, including wearing gloves and use of hand sanitizer before and after each donation.
• Protecting supplies in the canteen area by limiting donor access to the supply of snacks and drinks.

When can I donate blood if I got the COVID-19 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. Click here to learn more about donating after COVID-19 vaccination.

Can I donate blood if I'm unvaccinated against COVID-19?
Eligible donors can donate blood regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Can I donate blood 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. 

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, AND;
• You had symptoms of COVID-19 AND a positive diagnostic COVID-19 PCR or antigen-based 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.
• You must have recently recovered from COVID-19 (had complete resolution of symptoms within the last 6 months) to qualify.  

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 So Cal Blood Bank 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. 

If I donate blood, will I be able to fight an infection later?
There is no research evidence that donating blood affects your ability to fight infection later. While white blood cells needed to fight infection slightly decrease after donation, abundant cells remain in the event of an infection. Furthermore, donated cells are regenerated post-donation.   

Are recipients at risk of contracting COVID-19 through donated blood?
There is no known risk of contracting COVID-19 from blood transfusions. Respiratory viruses are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported or suspected cases of transfusion transmission of this virus. Routine blood donor screening measures that are already in place should prevent individuals with clinical respiratory infections from donating blood. For example, blood donors must be in good health and have a normal temperature on the day of donation  

Can I get COVID-19 by donating blood? 
There is no inherent risk of getting COVID-19/coronavirus from donating blood. No measures can completely eliminate the risk of exposure; however, we have high standards in place to eliminate risk of exposure as much as possible. 

Are you allowing for social distancing? 
Temporary locations that are being opened in the community allow for social distancing. Bloodmobiles do not currently afford 6-feet physical distancing. However, we are screening donors and staff prior to entry onto the bus. Staff, of course, will be near you at a few points during the normal donation process. We are cleaning all surfaces between donations.  

What happens if someone donates without any symptoms and then becomes sick?  
COVID-19 is not known to be transmissible by transfusion. So Cal Blood Bank regularly tracks cold and flu symptoms after donation. If you are diagnosed with or are suspected of having COVID-19 infection within 10 days, please contact So Cal Blood Bank at (844) 380-5220.

Where can I donate?
Appointments are ecouraged so we can ensure proper staffing at locations. Donate at the new Irvine Business District donation location or find a mobile blood drive at scbloodbank.org/donate.

How else can I help?
Please consider volunteering to help ensure a healthy, safe and clean environment for our donors. Visit sandiegobloodbank.org/volunteers. You can also make a financial gift to support San Diego Blood Bank/Southern California Blood Bank emergency preparedness and critical supplies at sandiegobloodbank.org/give.

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