“You can’t donate blood if not vaccinated”

That is a lie... Nothing more than a social media tall tale and a clickbait hoax. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on all blood donors, particularly group AB donors, to visit their nearest blood bank or mobile clinic. The SANBS would like to assure all potential donors that all COVID-19 regulations are enforced at every donation site.

The safety of the donors and staff is paramount to the SANBS. Another myth that is circulating on social media involves the tall tale that you cannot donate blood if you have not been vaccinated. This is categorically incorrect, and untrue. The SANBS confirmed that it does not defer vaccinated people from donating, nor does it record whether a donor has been vaccinated or not.

“We urge all healthy donors to come forward and continue to donate much needed, life-saving blood. We follow international blood collection best practice, and act quickly if there is any concern regarding blood product safety or possible harm to our patients.” Regular donors may even receive a gift as a thank you from the SANBS, as well as a complimentary juice or coffee, accompanied by delicious biscuits.