Uber And Moderna Collaborate To Increase Awareness Of And Access To The COVID-19 Vaccine

Illustration of the COVID-19 vaccine (Torstensimon / Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Uber and pharmaceutical company Moderna recently announced a partnership on COVID-19 vaccination, which will include a number of different initiatives.

In their official statement, Moderna and Uber will initially work together to provide credible and factual information to users about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine through the Uber consumer application.

The two companies will also work with public health and other organizations to identify additional opportunities to support ongoing efforts to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Additional options currently being evaluated include making travel scheduling via Uber directly into the immunization appointment booking process.

In addition, the company will also integrate the vaccine delivery system into text reminders allowing patients to book a ride before their first or second immunization appointment.

"Used by millions of people every day, the Uber platform can help educate the public about vaccine safety and help remove barriers to transportation to vaccination sites. Together with Moderna, we hope to take part in helping raise awareness and vaccination adoption, and we hope to explore ways what we can do to help ensure everyone, especially those in the most affected communities, all have access to vaccines, "said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel also said that as part of the company's commitment to help tackle COVID-19, Moderna would work with a coalition of partners to educate, build trust and raise awareness of the importance of vaccination in communities significantly affected by the pandemic.

"We look forward to combining our expertise and capabilities with the Uber platform to support this important endeavor," he said.

In its early days, as reported by Tech Crunch, the COVID-19 vaccination program in the US is already facing challenges, including having to provide timely access to most of the population or communities that need it most.

Inoculation programs must also be able to address the misinformation that is rapidly growing on social media about vaccine safety. With this program, Uber has the opportunity to get positive messages and accurate information in front of many people.