Proposed Illinois bill seeks to mandate disclosure of mRNA vaccination in blood donations

A bill introduced into the Illinois House last week aims to amend the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act. The proposed changes would require blood banks to test donated blood for evidence of COVID-19 vaccines and mRNA vaccine components. Blood donors would also be required to disclose whether they have received any mRNA vaccines. Some social media users are expressing support for the bill.

Risk level: Medium

Recommendation: Conversations about this bill promote false claims about mRNA vaccines and may discourage patients from receiving blood transfusions. It is recommended doctors in Illinois be prepared to answer questions about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines and blood transfusions. Talking points may emphasize that receiving a blood transfusion from a donor who has received an mRNA vaccine is safe and that receiving a blood transfusion from a vaccinated person does not transfer the vaccine to the recipient.