FACT CHECK: Can you donate blood if you’ve been vaccinated for COVID-19?

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr said that the “propaganda is beginning to unravel” and shared a post that seems to show the American Red Cross asking potential blood donors if they have ever been vaccinated for COVID.

The post seems to insinuate that those who have been previously vaccinated for COVID are unable to donate blood, but it turns out, that isn’t quite true.

According to the American Red Cross, potential donors will need to provide the manufacturer name of the COVID-19 vaccination they received. Following FDA blood eligibility donation requirements, the Red Cross asks that you bring your vaccination card with you when donating blood to determine if a two-week deferral time before donating blood.

A quick fact check on the American Red Cross website shares that in most cases, there is no deferral time for individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine, as long as they are symptom free and feeling well at the time of donation.

Massachusetts General Hospital has made some changes to their donor requirements in recent years, but COVID vaccination isn’t one of them. According to their website:

“COVID-19, RSV and Flu vaccines/boosters require NO WAITING period to donate as long as you are feeling well and healthy.”

The American Red Cross shared that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. To find a location where you can make a blood donation, click here.