Patients Increasingly Demanding Unvaccinated Blood Donations

Doctors warn the practice is unnecessary and can delay critical care

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee found that some patients are increasingly requesting blood donations from unvaccinated donors, despite no evidence that vaccinated blood is unsafe. The researchers analyzed data on directed blood donations at their center and found 48 such donations over two years, often involving children, that were motivated by concerns over receiving vaccinated blood. In several cases, this practice led to significant delays or complications in patient care.

Why it matters

The resurgence of the anti-vaccination movement has led to unfounded fears about the safety of vaccinated blood, which doctors say is completely unnecessary and can actually increase risks for patients. This trend highlights the ongoing impact of COVID-19 misinformation and the lengths some will go to avoid anything perceived as 'tainted' by vaccines.

The details

The Vanderbilt researchers examined data on directed blood donations, where patients specifically request donations from unvaccinated individuals, usually family members, rather than anonymous donations. Over 2024-2025, they found 48 such directed donations requested by 15 recipients, with the number increasing from 4 in 2024 to 11 in 2025. In at least 4 cases, patients experienced significant issues like going into shock or delaying surgery due to waiting for the directed donation. Directed donors are also more likely to carry infectious diseases compared to regular donors.

  • The study analyzed data from 2024 to 2025.
  • In 2024, there were 4 directed donations requested.
  • In 2025, the number of directed donations increased to 11.

The players

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

A major academic medical center in Nashville, Tennessee that conducted the research on directed blood donations.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health who has falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines are the "deadliest vaccines ever made".

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What’s next

Doctors and blood centers are concerned that demands for unvaccinated blood could become more common, especially as some GOP politicians push for laws to expand people's ability to request it. This trend highlights the ongoing challenge of combating COVID-19 misinformation.

The takeaway

The unfounded fear of vaccinated blood is the latest manifestation of the anti-vaccination movement, putting patients at unnecessary risk and delaying critical care. This irrational paranoia underscores the urgent need to combat the spread of COVID-19 misinformation in order to protect public health.