STORY AT-A-GLANCE A growing number of people in need of blood transfusions are requesting blood that comes from people who haven’t received COVID-19 shots Pathologist Dr. Ryan Cole compared the current unknowns regarding “vaccinated blood” with HIV-tainted blood that was used for transfusions in the 1980s Directed donations and autologous donations, or self-donation, are options for receiving blood free of mRNA, but in both cases you’ll need your doctor to submit a Red Cross Special Collections Order form A “Safe Blood” donation campaign has also been formed to match blood donors and recipients who have not had COVID-19 shots