By Alec Go
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified anew on Friday (Jan. 28) that individuals who have been administered with COVID-19 vaccines can still donate blood, in response to posts claiming that blood donation is not possible after inoculation.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the claim of a circulating post on social media, which was already disproved by the agency in a public advisory on Jan. 27, is not true.
“Kahit sinong bakunado ng COVID-19 [vaccine] ay maaaring mag-donate ng dugo [kapag] sila ay walang sintomas,” she said during a Palace briefing with Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
“Kung may sintomas naman, maaari pa ring mag-donate ng dugo matapos ang 7 hanggang 14 na araw pagkatapos gumaling o mawala na ang sintomas,” she added, noting that all approved vaccines are safe and have no impact on blood donation.
Meanwhile, the health official called on eligible individuals to donate blood for those in need, as there is a shortage of blood supply in the country’s blood centers.
“Bukod sa makakatulong ang inyong dugo sa pagligtas ng buhay, marami rin pong benepisyo para sa inyo ang pagdo-donate ng dugo, kabilang na ang pagbaba ng risk of heart attack,” she said.
She said it can also keep the liver healthy and improve cardiovascular health.
The list of blood donation centers may be viewed at https://redcross.org.ph/give-blood/ or https://doh.gov.ph/node/1441.
