The service said early evidence shows donors recovering from Covid-19 yield higher levels of antibodies for the virus after 28 days.
“As information about the virus is evolving rapidly, we closely monitor international developments to make sure our processes and eligibility criteria align with the best evidence available to protect employees, donors and volunteers,” it said.
In its recommendations the Western Cape Blood Service said an individual can donate blood after 14 days of either getting a Covid-19 vaccine or testing negative.
“Like international blood collection services, we are allowing people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to donate blood. You can donate blood after receiving your Covid-19 vaccine, permitting you feel healthy on the day of donation and display no symptoms,” said the organisation.
“We do not require blood donors to disclose whether they have been vaccinated, if they have not done so in the last 30 days, nor do we record which vaccine they received. If you are a healthcare worker working with Covid-19 patients, you will need to wait 14 days after your vaccination before donating blood.”