Bikers and riders line up for a COVID-19 booster shot drive-thru at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Lawton, Manila on Jan. 8, 2022. (Photo by Michael Varcas/ The Star) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday dispelled reports that vaccinated people can no longer donate blood. “Anyone who has been vaccinated with any COVID vaccine may donate blood,” the DOH said in a public advisory. It said asymptomatic individuals could donate blood anytime, while those with symptoms may do the same 14 days after recovery from infection, PH Inquirer reported.
As standard criteria, the DOH said a person aged 16 to 65 years and weighs not less than 50 kilos may donate blood. But those who have undergone surgery as well as those who had tattoos and body piercing done in the past year are restricted from donating blood, it said. The health agency said those who received anti-rabies and anti-tetanus vaccines in the past year are not qualified to donate blood. Persons with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension as well as those engaging in high-risk behavior are barred from donating blood.
“If with other diseases, the person will need to be assessed appropriately,” the DOH said to determine if they could still qualify to donate blood. The government will designate at least two pediatric COVID vaccination sites per city in Metro Manila, the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 said yesterday.