Uber to offer free rides to vaccination appointments at Walgreens in US

Uber is teaming up with US pharmacy chain Walgreens to ensure those in underserved communities can get to their COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

The ridesharing giant says it will offer free rides to Walgreen stores for the US’ most vulnerable people so they can get their COVID-19 jab, as part of a commitment Uber has made to provide 10 million discounted rides and food deliveries to those most in need during the pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points to many interrelated factors that hinder vaccine access for communities of colour, including vaccine hesitancy and lack of access to transportation.

“Transportation should never be a barrier to health care. We look forward to building on this exciting new partnership with Walgreens, harnessing the power of the Uber platform to help connect more people with vaccines, as we all work together to help end this pandemic,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO.

“By combining Walgreens deep experience in community care with Uber’s transportation technology and logistics expertise, we will take bold action to address vaccine access and hesitancy among those hit hardest by the pandemic,” added John Standley, President at Walgreens.

Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of National Urban League (which Uber is working with to identify those in need of the free rides), confirmed that getting the vaccine into the arms of those most vulnerable is not an easy task.

“The availability of a vaccine is no guarantee that it will reach the communities who are most desperately in need of it,” he said.  

“It will require a historic effort on the part of government, private industry and community groups working all working in coordination. We commend Uber for taking the initiative in forming these crucial alliances and we are proud to move forward together in helping to heal the nation.”

The programme will begin as a pilot in cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and El Paso.