MMR, chickenpox and other live vaccines and blood donation

Not right now, but most waits are short. Live-virus vaccines (MMR, varicella, yellow fever) defer donation for a short defined window, commonly 4 weeks. ## The short answer Weakened live viruses can appear in blood briefly after vaccination. Inactivated vaccines (flu, hepatitis B, tetanus) have much shorter or no waits. ## The usual wait Commonly 4 weeks after live vaccines; days after inactivated ones. Nobody is turned away forever for most of these, the register will still be here when the wait ends. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Vaccine name and date. That conversation is confidential and takes a minute, it exists so the medical officer can clear you safely on the day. Everyone meets the same basics: age 18,65, weight 50 kg+, haemoglobin on target, feeling well today. Men donate every 3 months, women every 4, the rest rules, simply. Not sure about your case? Try the Can I donate? checker or read who can donate and the deferral list in plain words. Still weighing it? Is blood donation safe? and the honest side-effects list are straight answers, not brochure talk. ## The one line that matters The medical officer at the centre makes the final call on the day, with your name, your file and your actual reading in front of them. Use this page to walk in informed, not to overrule anyone. Related: donate blood after vaccination · flu shot and blood donation