What About Platelet And Plasma Donation
Just as with blood donation, you dont have to wait to give platelets or plasma after youve had your COVID-19 vaccine as long as you know the vaccine manufacturer.
Platelets are small, tiny cell fragments that form clots to stop you from bleeding. Every 15 seconds, someone in the United States needs platelets. But you cant donate them at a blood drive because a special machine is used to remove just the platelets and return the remaining blood back to your body. The whole process may take 3 hours.
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Plasma is a pale yellow liquid that carries your blood cells throughout your body. Its taken from your arm, but it goes to a centrifuge machine that spins fast to separate plasma from the rest of the blood and then return the blood back to your body. The cycle is repeated a few times till enough plasma is collected.
If youve had COVID-19 and want to give convalescent plasma, the rules are a bit different. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that your body builds after a viral infection to fight off the illness. The FDA has given emergency authorization for convalescent plasma therapy with high antibody levels to treat COVID-19. Its usually given to hospitalized patients or people with weak immune systems.
If youre not sure, call your local blood donation center to ask if youre eligible to donate platelets, plasma, or convalescent plasma.
Why Is The Flu Shot Important For People Affected By Breast Cancer
Getting a flu shot is particularly important for people with weak immune systems because they are the ones who are the most vulnerable to serious complications if they actually catch the flu. These people include babies, the elderly, people with allergies, and people with chronic or acute illnesses. Since breast cancer treatments can weaken your immune system, it is especially important for you to get a flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , people who have cancer or had it in the past are at higher risk of flu complications. The CDC also recommends that anyone who lives with you should receive the regular flu vaccine as well .
Aging also weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of complications from flu. If you are age 65 or older, ask your doctor about the new high-dose flu vaccines that are available for people over 65.
The Flu Shot Is Effective
The effectiveness of the vaccine varies from season to season. It depends on:
- how well the vaccine matches with the circulating flu viruses
- the health and age of the person getting the flu shot
The viruses circulating in the population can sometimes change during the time it takes to produce a vaccine. When this happens during the flu season, the flu shot may not work as well as expected.
It’s also important to remember that the flu shot protects against several different flu viruses each season. The seasonal flu shot can still provide protection against the remaining 2 or 3 viruses, even when theres:
- a less-than-ideal match
- lower effectiveness against one virus
If you do get the flu, the flu shot may reduce the severity of flu-related complications.
Getting your flu shot is still the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu and flu-related complications.
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Are You Eligible To Donate Life
Review the information below to determine your eligibility for various types of donation.
Here are the essential qualifications, depending on your donation type. You can choose to donate whole blood or specific components through a process called apheresis or automation. This process allows one or more specific components of blood to be safely removed through a sterile process and the remaining components are safely returned to you through a sterile process. To learn more about the donation types, visit Learn More About Blood Donation.
Safety note: You cannot contract blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS by donating blood.
Can I Give Blood After Having Coronavirus Or The Vaccine
Yes, but if you have had COVID-19 please read our full coronavirus guidance for rules on attending a session before making an appointment to donate.
If you have had a coronavirus vaccine as part of the UK vaccination programme, please wait 7 full days after having the vaccine before coming to give blood on the 8th day.
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What Safety Precautions Are In Place
The Red Cross is committed to the safety of donors, staff, and volunteers. We only collect blood from donors who are healthy and symptom-free. No matter which COVID-19 vaccine you receive, please do not present to donate unless you are symptom-free and feeling well. Mild side effects can occur after the administration of vaccines of any type, although they usually disappear within a few days. If you experience any side effects, please wait to donate until you are feeling well.
To ensure everyones safety, the Red Cross is taking additional safety precautions during the pandemic including:
- Donor and staff temperature checks before entering drives
- All donors and staff required to wear a face covering or mask in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Following social distancing practices in waiting and refreshment areas as well as spacing beds 6 feet apart where possible
- Wiping down donor-touched areas and enhanced disinfecting of surfaces and equipment
- Having hand sanitizer readily available
- Wearing gloves and changing them often
- Using sterile collection sets
- Using aseptic scrubs on arms
- Laundering blankets used by donors and encouraging donors to bring their own
- Conducting mini-physicals to ensure donor health
For more information about making a blood donation if you receive a COVID-19 vaccination, download the COVID-19 Vaccination and Blood Donation guide.
Safety Precautions To Keep In Mind
If you plan to donate blood, its important to know that theres no risk of getting the COVID-19 infection from the procedure. But there are a few precautions you should keep in mind. Dont donate if you have:
- Tested positive for COVID-19 with or without symptoms in the last 14 days
- Had to self-quarantine in the last 14 days
- Had COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days
If you have side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, wait until they go away.
Contact your blood donation center if you develop COVID-19 symptoms after youve given blood. This will prevent the spread of infection.
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Groups Who Should Especially Get The Vaccine
The flu shot can protect you against the flu. Because of this, it can reduce your chances of being infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. This can lead to serious complications. You should especially receive the flu vaccine this season if youre:
- at high risk of severe COVID-19 related illness
- capable of spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness related to COVID-19
The flu vaccine is especially important for the following groups.
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Most Reported Cases Of Blood Clots Have Been In Women Under The Age Of 60 Within Three Weeks Of Vaccination
Six people have experienced blood clotting after receiving Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose vaccine in the U.S., The New York Times reported. All six were women between the ages of 18 and 48, who developed blood clotting within one to three weeks after vaccination. Blood clotting has also been reported as a rare reaction following the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine, which is not yet available in the U.S. According to the European Medicines Agency , most of these cases have occurred in women under the age of 60 within two weeks of vaccination. Christian Bogdan, a member of Germany’s vaccine committee, told Reuters that the risk of blood clotting was highest in women between the ages of 20 and 59, observed between four to 16 days after receiving the AztraZeneca vaccine. And for more concerning reactions, If 1 of These 3 Body Parts Starts Swelling Up After Your Vaccine, Call a Doctor.
People At High Risk Of Complications From The Flu
- people with health conditions, such as:
- cancer and other immune compromising conditions
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
- children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid
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Can You Give Blood After The Coronavirus Vaccine What To Know About Post
But with safety measures now in place to help protect donors from the virus, organizations such as the Red Cross are accepting even urging donations by appointment.
Still, in this new era, those who have had the virus or have been vaccinated against it may wonder whether they are eligible to give or whether its in their best interest to do so.
In most cases, the answer is yes. Heres what we know about donating blood if youve had the coronavirus or have been vaccinated.
Blood Clotting Is Still A Very Rare Reaction Following The Vaccine
It’s important to note that these are extremely rare reactions. As Reuters points out, the risk of women blood clotting from taking oral contraception is four women out of 10,000a far higher number than what is being seen following these COVID vaccines so far. According to the CDC, nearly seven million people have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the U.S., and only six people have reportedly experienced blood clotting. In a statement April 13, Johnson & Johnson said they are aware of an “extremely rare disorder involving people with blood clots in combination with low platelets in a small number of individuals” who have received their COVID vaccine.
On the same note, just 169 blood clotting cases following the AstraZeneca vaccine were reported to the EMA out of 34 million doses administered. “The reported combination of blood clots and low blood platelets is very rare, and the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the risks of side effects,” the EMA noted in its report. And for more up-to-date information, .
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What You Can Do
If you’re well, you should strongly consider donating blood. Every blood donation can help save 3 lives. Even if you have a cold or are getting over the flu, you may still be able to help.
- If you don’t have a cold or the flu, visit Donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to check if you’re eligible and to make an appointment.
- If you have a cold and have mild symptoms such as a runny nose but you don’t have a fever, you can still donate plasma. Plasma is the fluid that carries the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- If you have a cold or the flu, you can donate blood, as normal, 7 days after you’ve recovered from your symptoms.
- If you recently had the flu vaccination and are feeling well, you can still donate blood. Because it’s not a ‘live’ vaccine, flu vaccination does not affect blood donation.
Does The Flu Shot Have Side Effects
In some people, the flu shot may cause mild side effects including soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given fever and aches. These mild symptoms usually begin soon after the shot is given and can last 1 to 2 days.
Like any medication, the flu shot can cause a serious allergic reaction, but this risk is very small. If you have any unusual problems a few minutes to a few hours after getting the shot, such as high fever, difficulty breathing, hives, weakness, or dizziness, call your doctor right away.
The virus in the flu shot is developed in egg products. If you are allergic to eggs, discuss with your doctor whether you should get the shot.
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Considerations For Getting A Covid
Its safe for your health care provider to administer a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. If youre 12 years of age or older, you may get the flu shot at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. You may also get it any time before or after you receive the flu shot.
For children aged 5 to 11, the National Advisory Council on Immunization recommends a 14-day interval between a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. This is to help better monitor for possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines. Provinces and territories will decide on an interval for this age group as part of their vaccination programs.
Talk to a health care provider or consult your provincial or territorial public health authority for the latest guidance.
Learn more about:
The Flu Vaccine And The Coronavirus Pandemic
Those more at risk of getting flu are also more at risk of COVID 19. If you have the flu vaccine, you are helping to protect yourself from flu and any problems and hospital admissions this could lead to. This is even more important while COVID 19 is in circulation. You are also helping to reduce pressure on NHS services.
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Can I Get A Free Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccination is free to people who are at increased risk of catching flu. This includes those people who have low immunity due to disease or treatment, such as cancer treatment.
It is also free for many children and those aged 65 years and over. And the UK nations have plans to offer free vaccines for adults younger than 65 years later in the season.
Speak to your GP if you had your cancer treatment some time ago and you are not sure if you can have a free vaccine. If you are not eligible, you can book and pay for a vaccine at a range of pharmacies or private healthcare providers.
Read more about the flu vaccination programme where you live:
Flu Vaccine Blood Donation Both Help Save Lives
Healthy donors are needed to maintain blood supply
The American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients as the U.S. braces for flu season while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flu shot doesnt affect blood donation eligibility
Medical experts are urging people to get the flu shot to avoid a flu epidemic on top of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Because blood can only be given by those who are feeling well, a severe flu season could create additional challenges to maintaining a sufficient blood supply for hospital patients in need.
Get the flu vaccine this year to help protect the nation from the virus but also to ensure that patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood products. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. There is no risk of transmitting the influenza virus after receiving a flu vaccination.
For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.
Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate bloodRedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Important COVID-19 information for donors
How to donate blood
About the American Red Cross
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A Second Flu Can Be As Bad As The First
Getting the flu a second time can make you just as miserable as it did the first time around. And the potential for complications with the second infection is just as great as it was with the first.
Those complications can be serious, such as pneumonia and even sepsis, a potentially deadly reaction your body can have to infection.
Flu can also harm your heart. A study published in 2018 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that an individuals heart attack risk was six times higher than usual in the seven days following a positive test for influenza.
This may be of most concern to older adults, especially those with heart disease or who are at higher risk for heart disease because of smoking, diabetes, or other factors, says Jeff Kwong, M.D., lead author of the study and a scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Ontario.
Why Wait Three Days
Regular donors may remember that you can donate immediately after receiving a flu vaccine, so you may be wondering whats different about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Different vaccines may require different wait times depending on whether there are potential donor safety issues, recipient safety issues or they have the potential to interfere with our testing.
For the flu vaccine, we have lots of data that there are no significant problems.Alternatively for the hepatitis B vaccine, it requires a 2-week wait before you can donate because it interferes with our testing.
The reason you need to wait 3 days after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is that it may cause minor side effects such as a mild fever. As these side effects usually resolve themselves after a few days, you should be feeling fit and healthy to donate once three days have passed. For more information, check out the Department of Health website article, Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?
We need all blood donors to be feeling fit and well when they give blood or plasma, and we dont allow anyone with a fever to donate as part of our regular rules. Donors who donate when theyre not feeling 100 per cent can be at an increased risk of experiencing an adverse reaction, such as fainting, during or after their donation.
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