In two studies supported by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, it was confirmed that genetic virus material is not detectable in the blood of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 with minor or moderate symptoms. The transmission of infectious SARS-CoV-2 viruses via blood components can therefore be ruled out for persons who meet the donor inclusion criteria.

In order to ensure the safety of both the recipient and the donor, donor selection criteria have been established in a federal guideline, the Haemotherapy Guideline. These include routine checks of body temperature and haemoglobin levels as well as an infection-related survey of potential donors. Any indications of an infectious disease will lead to a temporary deferral of the donor.

In addition, laboratory tests and recovery periods have been established to prevent the transmission of certain infectious agents, such as HIV, HBV, HCV, HEV, malaria pathogens, Chikungunya virus, WNV (West Nile virus) and Zika virus.

For blood donations from persons with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or with confirmed contact with an infected person, recommendations have been made by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut and are adapted as new information becomes available.

The recommendations states that individuals with a SARS-CoV-2 infection accompanied by fever who wish to donate should be deferred from donation for at least four weeks after full recovery for their own protection. Individuals with an uncomplicated, symptom-free infection confirmed with a positive test result should not be allowed to donate blood for at least one week. However, the latest recommendations (COVID-19 regulations, RKI, etc.) must always be observed.

According to the current guidelines, individuals who have had confirmed contact with a SARS-CoV-2-infected person as well as COVID-19 patients may donate if the presence of an infection has been excluded (negative antigen test or PCR result).

In order to avoid temporary shortages in the supply of blood components, it is still urgently necessary to continue donating blood in sufficient quantities. All persons who are willing to donate and are free of acute infection should therefore donate blood.

Within the scope of its responsibilities, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut is available to the German state authorities to answer questions about safety and to ensure the supply of blood, plasma and stem cell products.

As soon as new findings are available that require a change to the previous recommendations, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut will inform the blood donation facilities and the public in a timely manner.

Updated: 14.03.2023

Yes, blood or plasma can be donated after a vaccination. How soon afterwards depends on the type of vaccine.

Blood donation is possible one day after vaccination with a dead vaccine (e.g. tetanus vaccines, many influenza vaccines).

After vaccinations with vaccines containing live or attenuated viruses (e.g. mumps, measles, yellow fever), a waiting period of four weeks must be observed. The Robert Koch-Institut provides details on the waiting period for blood donation after specific vaccinations.

Blood or plasma can also be donated after a COVID-19 vaccination with the currently authorised vaccine products. The COVID-19 vaccine products authorised in Europe so far include mRNA vaccines, inactivated whole virus vaccines, vector-based vaccines, and protein-based vaccines. Blood donation is possible as soon as the vaccinated individual is free from any adverse reactions (such as local skin reactions, fever, pain in the limbs). In any case, the donation shall be released by a physician in accordance with the federal requirements detailed in the Haemotherapy Guideline.

Updated: 14.03.2023

The qualification and disqualification criteria for persons who wish to donate blood in Germany are set out in the "Guideline on the Collection of Blood and Blood Components and the Use of Blood Products" (Haemotherapy Guideline) by the German Medical Association in agreement with the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut.

After consulting experts and taking into account the guidelines and recommendations on blood and blood components of the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the World Health Organization, the German Medical Association, in agreement with the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, has determined the generally accepted state of knowledge of medical science and technology on the use of blood products and applied that knowledge to the Haemotherapy Guideline. Experts from relevant professional and public bodies received sufficient opportunities to participate in preparing the guideline. These bodies included in particular dona-tion centre operators, the central health insurer associations, the German Hospital Federation, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, and the competent federal and state authorities.

Further Information

Guideline on the Collection of Blood and Blood Components and the Use of Blood Products (Haemotherapy Guideline, German only)

Updated: 15.09.2023

A combination of different measures regarding the selection of those willing to donate blood has led to a very high level of safety in Germany in recent years. These measures include both a mandatory test for certain infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses, and the syphilis pathogen T. pallidum, as well as a potential donor medical history questionnaire on illnesses, infections, vaccinations, travel, and sexual behaviour that may lead to disqualification or deferral from blood donation. In accordance with new legislation (see section 12a of the Transfusion Act from 16 March 2023), the assessment of risk resulting from sexual behaviour that leads to a donation deferral must be based on the individual sexual behaviour of the person willing to donate. The sexual orientation and gender identity, including transgender identification, of the person willing to donate or their sexual partners do not play a role in the risk assessment. This approach is intended to help avoid discrimination in donor selection.

Examples of individuals who are not qualified to donate blood include:

• persons with certain diseases (in part for their own protection),
• persons at risk of transmitting spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs),
• persons who have received xenotransplants or live cells of animal origin,
• persons who use drugs or abuse medications,
• persons in whom certain infections have been detected, such as HIV or HCV.

Examples of individuals who are temporarily deferred from blood donation include:

• persons returning from a malaria endemic area. The deferral lasts for 6 months from the day of return.
• persons who in the last four months have engaged in sexual behaviour that carries a significantly increased risk of transmission of blood-borne serious infectious diseases. The deferral lasts for 4 months.
• persons who have recently gotten a tattoo or other cosmetic procedures involving damage to the skin or mucous membrane (e.g. ear holes, piercings, transdermal implants, cutting, branding, permanent make-up). The deferral lasts for 4 months.
• persons who have received a live vaccine. The deferral lasts for 4 weeks after vaccination.
• persons returning from a West Nile virus endemic area in the period between 1 June and 30 November of each year. The deferral lasts for 4 weeks.

The complete substantive list of all disqualification and deferral criteria is listed in the Haemotherapy Guideline in Chapter 2.2.4.3 Donor requirements (disqualification criteria/deferral criteria).

Updated: 15.09.2023