Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.
------------------------------------------------------------
January 03, 2003
U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Vaccine Recipients Must Wait to Donate Blood"
USA Today (www.usatoday.com) (01/02/03) P. 7D; Healy, Michelle
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new blood donor guidelines for people who have recently been vaccinated against smallpox. The vaccine contains a live virus that could contaminate the blood supply and jeopardize the health of blood recipients. Specifically, the FDA is recommending that individuals wait 21 days after smallpox vaccination or until the scab at the injection site falls off, and at least two months should pass before donating if the person has scratched the injection site. In addition, people who experience vaccine-related complications should wait at least two weeks past the side effects' disappearance before donating blood.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.