Be sure to review Vitalant’ s latest COVID-19 FAQ prior to your appointment.

Blood Donation Eligibility

You may be wondering if you can donate blood. Donating blood is safe and easy to do. If you're in good health and meet the general eligibility criteria, then you are likely able to give blood. If you meet all eligibility criteria below, please schedule your appointment today to transform the lives of patients in need. If you've recently gotten a tattoo, traveled abroad or take medications and wonder if these affect your eligibility, please review how these might impact your eligibility.

Whatever your COVID-19 vaccination status, you may still give blood or platelets if you meet all general blood donation eligibility criteria. If you’ve had COVID-19 and have been symptom-free for 10 days, you are eligible to donate. If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, you may give blood or platelets any time after your vaccination if you meet all general  blood donation eligibility criteria.

Basic Requirements & Recommendations

  • Must be at least 16 years old (16- and some 17-year-olds must bring a signed permission form from a parent or guardian, if required by state or school).
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds. Certain height/weight criteria may apply for donors 22 years old or younger. For specific requirements in your area, please call 877-258-4825.
  • Be in good general health.
  • For your safety and to ensure a positive donation experience, make sure you eat within two hours ahead of your donation. Drink plenty of water that day and 24 to 48 hours beforehand. Feel free to help yourself to something to eat and drink in our refreshment area.
  • Bring your ID—something with your name and one of the following: date of birth, donor ID number or your photo.
  • You must wait eight weeks between whole blood donations. Learn more about specific intervals for other types of donation.
  • You should not be under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs at the time of donation.

Platelet donors should avoid aspirin and/or aspirin-containing products 48 hours prior to donation and other anti-platelet medications as listed here.


Power Red donors must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Unlike plasma that is donated specifically for patient transfusion, source plasma is collected and used to develop lifesaving medicines and therapies for patients with neurological disorders, immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders and more. Currently, Vitalant only offers voluntary source plasma donation opportunities to people who live in the Sacramento area.


Source plasma donors have specific eligibility requirements. Please call us at 877-258-4825 for more information.

 

COVID-19 and its symptoms

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed several classical symptoms of COVID-19 infection which include:
  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Sudden loss of taste or smell

Before donating blood, please refer to your state’s or public health agency’s guidelines for COVID-19 testing and quarantining.  Do not come to donate if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are subject to quarantine after close contact with individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 infection.  If you’ve had COVID-19 and have been symptom-free for 10 days, you are eligible to donate.

Please do NOT donate or enter a Vitalant facility if you are not feeling well. Blood donors are NOT tested for active coronavirus infection.

The information above is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. It's important you review this information before scheduling an appointment.