Vaccinations And Blood Donations: LifeSouth Addresses Common Questions

From The JAX Chamber:

April 30, 2021

Jacksonville, Fla. — As the COVID-19 vaccination effort continues to roll out, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers urges all eligible donors to help support the local blood supply. Blood donations are still needed every day as blood banks across the nation feel the impact after months of cancelled or postponed blood drives due to the pandemic.

Following recent expansions of vaccine eligibility criteria, LifeSouth has received an influx of questions regarding how the vaccines impact the blood donation process.

“The blood supply could be at risk if eligible donors aren’t aware that they can safely give blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Chris Lough, Vice President of Medical Services for LifeSouth. “Blood donation offers an immediate way to give back to your community and support public health. We encourage all eligible donors to make an appointment as soon as possible to ensure blood is on the shelves for local hospitals when they need it most.”

A few of the most common questions LifeSouth has received in recent weeks include:

• Am I eligible to donate blood if I have received the vaccine? Yes. There is no risk for blood donation following receipt of the currently available vaccines. As long as you are feeling healthy and well, and you meet the history and physical requirements for blood donation, you can donate. For a full list of eligibility requirements, visit lifesouth.org.

• Is it safe to receive blood from a donor who has received the vaccine? Yes, blood from donors who have received the vaccine is safe. All blood donations undergo thorough testing prior to distribution to local hospitals.

• How long do I have to wait after receiving the vaccine before I can donate blood? If you received the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, there is no deferral period for blood donation. If you can’t remember or it was another manufacturer, there is a two-week deferral.

• Can I donate if I’ve only had one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine? Yes, you can donate whole blood, plasma and platelets.

• Where can I go to donate? LifeSouth’s Northeast Florida donor centers are located at 7840 Baymeadows Way (open Monday through Friday) and 800 Prudential Drive (inside Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville; donor center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Donors can also look for LifeSouth’s signature red, white and blue bloodmobile around the city for a convenient, quick donation.

LifeSouth provides blood for many Northeast Florida hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, Memorial Hospital, Orange Park Medical Center and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. All eligible donors are encouraged to give blood as soon as possible.

“LifeSouth’s main goal is to support hospitals who care for our neighbors who are in need. As we navigate these new territories together, we want all blood donors — including those who have received a vaccine — to know they can make a difference today for someone right here in our own community,” said Angie Byrd, District Director for LifeSouth.

To learn more about donation eligibility, find a donor center or blood drive near you and book an appointment to donate, visit LifeSouth.org.

About LifeSouth

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 100 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit LifeSouth.org.

This press release was produced by The JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.