Uber and Walgreens to offer free rides to COVID-19 vaccine sites

Uber and Walgreens are partnering to offer free rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites in an effort to expand vaccine availability in communities of color.

The companies said in a joint statement that Uber will offer free transportation to Walgreens and offsite vaccination clinics. Once an individual has made an appointment, they will then be able to schedule a free ride.

The program will begin in Chicago; Atlanta; Houston; and El Paso, Texas.

The effort is part of Uber’s larger commitment from December to offer 10 million free or discounted rides for customers getting vaccinated.

Pharmacies are expected to take on an expanded role in vaccine distribution as a key part of President Biden’s goal to administer 100 million vaccine doses in his first 100 days in office.

Walgreens said last Tuesday that it is beginning vaccinations in its stores on Friday across 15 states and jurisdictions as part of the Biden administration’s Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

The free rides are one of several efforts that Uber and Walgreens are taking to address vaccine hesitancy as vaccines become available.

Uber said it will add an in-app feature that will allow its active drivers — including delivery people and freight carriers — to get a vaccine appointment. The companies also plan on partnering with the National Urban League on a new program to address vaccine hesitancy. 

People of color are more likely to die of COVID-19 than white Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found. However, initial data on coronavirus vaccines show white Americans outpacing minority communities in receiving vaccinations.