Can I donate blood after a vaccine?
What this means
- Flu shot, COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, tetanus, and most others: no wait.
- Live vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella: wait about two to four weeks.
- Bring your vaccination details to screening if you have had a recent shot.
What to do next
If your recent vaccine was not a live one, you can usually donate right away.
When to call the center: Call to confirm timing after a live vaccine.
If you need to wait
About two to four weeks for certain live vaccines. No wait for most vaccines.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
Live vaccines contain a weakened virus, so centers wait a short time as a precaution.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
Related questions
Our no-monetization pledge
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence