Walgreens Launches Vaccine Appointment And Ride Service With Uber

DEERFIELD, IL — If you've been looking to get your COVID-19 shot, but don't have a ride to the appointment, you may soon be in luck. Walgreens, the pharmacy giant based in Deerfield, has teamed up with Uber to allow customers to book vaccination appointments and schedule a ride to the appointment through the ride-sharing company's app.

The new Uber app feature is the result of months of collaboration between the two companies, according to a news release from earlier this week. The new feature was unveiled in a global announcement from Uber. Users will see a new "Vaccine" option in their Uber app and can choose to schedule an appointment at Walgreens. After adding a zip code and selecting from the available appointment times, users will have the option to reserve a ride to the appointment by scheduling a pickup time and location. Before the appointment, a push notification will remind users of their upcoming ride to their vaccination appointment.

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"As COVID-19 vaccine inventories expand, so has our shared commitment with Uber to providing innovations that help accelerate access to the vaccine for communities across America," said John Standley, president of Walgreens, in the news release.

In February, Walgreens, which is owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance, was selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to administer COVID-19 vaccines in 15 states and jurisdictions — including Chicago and Illinois — under a federal program focusing on high-risk, socially vulnerable populations. By partnering with the Uber, headquartered in San Francisco, Walgreens said it was hoping to make it easier to connect with residents in these communities through a number of initiatives, including free transportation provided by Uber to vaccine clinics.

The new Uber app feature is available to all Uber users in the United States. Appointments are subject to availability.

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