Ask the Experts - Winter 2021
It’s common for people to have questions about blood donation. Thankfully, our clinical experts are on hand with the answers.
Donations of blood, platelets and plasma are simple and easy ways to make an immeasurable impact to other people’s lives.
They are, however, still a marvel of modern medicine and it’s common for donors to have questions about the process.
Thankfully, our clinical experts are on hand with the answers…
Do I need to wait after having a flu vaccine to donate?
You can donate after having a flu jab, including on the same day, as long you feel completely well.
If you have had the flu jab as a priority because of underlying health issues, please check that it is okay for you to donate with those.
You need to wait seven full days after having a Covid-19 vaccine before you may donate.
How long after having Covid-19 do I need to wait before donating?
If you have had symptoms of Coronavirus you must wait 28 days from their resolution before you can donate. If you have tested positive but not had any symptoms, you must instead wait 28 days from the date of your last positive test.
If you have tested negative but had Coronavirus symptoms you must wait 14 days from the resolution of your symptoms.
Before you donate, you must be back to normal activities, free of fever and respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue or other ongoing symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, numbness or pins and needles.
Some individuals may have a cough, or reduced sense of smell or taste, for some weeks after resolution of their infection but this won’t stop you donating if you are otherwise well.
