The National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) has released guidelines stating that one cannot donate blood for nearly two months after taking the Covid-19 vaccine. Those who have taken the vaccine cannot donate blood from the day of taking the first dose of the vaccine till 28 days after the second dose.
Since there is a gap of 28 days between the two doses, the period during which one cannot donate blood stretches to a minimum of 57 days.
It is understood that a technical research group of NBTC has taken the decision based on existing recommendations concerning blood donation and vaccination.
At present those who are administered the vaccine include senior citizens, those between the age of 45 to 59 with co-morbidities and healthcare workers including frontline workers.
It is pertinent to note that people donating blood for the first time cannot be over 60 years of age. First timers are deferred if they are over 60 years old, notwithstanding the other criteria that they may clear.
However, for repeat donors, the upper age limit is 65 years. At the blood donation camps held in the State it would hence be mandatory to look into the history of the donor as far as Covid-19 vaccination is concerned and advise the donor accordingly.
