"Very convenient:" Flu shots just a tap away for Uber users, for one day only

MILWAUKEE -- Getting a flu shot was just a tap away for Uber app users on Thursday, November 19th. The company allowed users to request a $10 wellness pack in select cities -- including Milwaukee and Madison. When the pack arrived, users could get a free flu shot on the spot from a registered nurse.

Uber app

It's the kind of innovation public health officials are very excited about.

"It makes vaccines very convenient for the public. We're very supportive since generally about one in four people get vaccinated each year," said Paul Biedrzycki, Milwaukee Health Department's director of disease control and environmental health.

Biedrzycki says young people, who are most likely to use the Uber app,  also tend to have the lowest flu vaccination rates.

UberHEALTH

"We're particularly excited that we could stimulate demand in these young adults and middle-aged adults in terms of getting their flu shots," said Biedrzycki.

UberHEALTH

He says it takes 10-14 days to build full immunity after you've gotten the vaccination. And the last two seasons, we've seen the flu peak around the holiday season.

"So now's the time to get your vaccination, your flu vaccination," said Biedrzycki.

And getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself, it's also to help shield the most vulnerable in our community.

"If everyone gets the flu shot, we develop immunity that protects the few that can't get the flu shot," said Biedrzycki.