Uber Rolls Out On-Demand Flu Vaccinations

Haven't gotten your flu shot yet?

Between long work hours, household responsibilities, errands and child care, making a trip to the doctor's office or local pharmacy for that flu shot doesn't seem too appealing, especially for non-emergency care.

Uber wants to make it easier for you to roll up your sleeve and get the shot by closing the excuse gap this year. After the success of last year’s “house calls,” the ride-sharing service is again offering on-demand flu shots around the country.

“Convenience and delivery method are both key components of many people’s decision of whether or not to get a flu shot,” the company said on its website.

On Thursday, between the hours of 11 a.m and 3 p.m., Uber will deliver flu shots in 35 cities around the country. All you need is your Uber app and choose the UberHealth option to find the location near you. Once there, vaccines will be given by a registered nurse.

The flu is a preventable virus which affects 20 percent of the population. But less than 50 percent of adults ever get a flu shot, according to Uber.

Flu viruses circulate at higher levels between October and May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC recommends everyone over six months of age get the flu shot. But those who are at a higher risk for developing the flu — children under five, adults over 65 years of age and pregnant women — are urged to get vaccinated.

As many as 49,000 people have died in flu seasons between 1976 and 2007. The highest number of flu-related deaths — between 80 and 90 percent — occurred in people 65 years and older in recent flu seasons.

If you can't use UberHealth to get your flu shot, you can find a vaccine provider near you here.

Contact Us