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Health Sciences Authority

COVID-19 vaccine

Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Last updated 13 March 2026

COVID-19 vaccine and blood donation

HSA has implemented a new blood donation eligibility guideline for donors who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. The waiting period may vary depending on the type of vaccine received or if you develop symptoms after receiving the vaccine.

Types of COVID-19 vaccines and their deferral periods

Type of COVID-19 vaccine

Deferral period

  1. mRNA vaccine

  • Pfizer-BioNTech / Comirnaty  COVID-19 vaccine (including bivalent vaccine)

  • Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (including bivalent vaccine)

  1. Inactivated virus vaccine

  • Sinovac-Coronavac COVID-19 vaccine

  • Sinopharm BiBP vaccine

  1. Protein subunit vaccine

  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax)

No side effects

1 week after vaccination

Muscle ache or pain at injection site (localized)

1 week after side effect has resolved

Any of the following:

  • Fever or chills

  • Generalized muscle or joint aches/pains

  • Rashes

  • Lymph node swelling

4 weeks after side effects have resolved

Virus vector based or live attenuated (e.g. those manufactured by Astra Zeneca, Janssen / J&J)

or Unknown type of COVID-19 Vaccine

No side effects


4 weeks after vaccination

Any of the following:

  • Fever or chills

  • Any muscle or joint aches / pains

  • Rashes

  • Lymph node swelling

4 weeks after vaccination or 4 weeks from the time the side effects have resolved (whichever is longer)

If you have experienced other symptoms not included in the list or if you have questions, please call the Bloodbank at 62130626, 63335532 or 67107548 to speak to our medical staff.

FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccination and blood donation

1. What kind of side effects should I look out for?

As with other established vaccines, you may experience some effects such as pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle ache, fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and joint pain after vaccination. They are common and expected as part of the body’s natural response. These side effects usually resolve within a few days.  If you feel unwell or are concerned about your health, you may wish to consult a doctor.

2. What information do I need to provide to the Bloodbank?

Donors are required to provide information about their vaccination – date of vaccination and brand of vaccine, and any side effects, as part of the donation pre-screening process.

3. Why is there a longer waiting period for live-attenuated virus vaccine?

The 4-week waiting period for live-attenuated vaccine is due to patient safety consideration. This is because blood from a recently vaccinated donor may contain an infective agent which although not harmful to the donor, may theoretically pose a risk to patients who are immune-suppressed or immunocompromised such as cancer patients.