With US Vaccine Demand Declining, "Free Uber" Incentive Introduced

(Photo by WSJ)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] In the United States, a plan has been introduced to provide free transportation to vaccination sites as an incentive for COVID-19 vaccination.

On the 11th (local time), the White House announced that President Joe Biden will partner with ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft to offer free rides to Americans getting vaccinated.

Those wishing to get vaccinated can select a nearby vaccination site through the Uber or Lyft app, call a vehicle, get vaccinated, and return. The service fees for both trips will be free. The service is expected to launch within two weeks and will be available until July 4.

Additionally, to increase student vaccinations, vaccination sites will be established at universities nationwide. State and local governments will also provide funding for promotional activities to encourage vaccination.

The Hill, a political news outlet, reported that President Biden’s announcement came during a meeting with bipartisan governors to discuss vaccine strategies aimed at encouraging more people to get vaccinated.

The video conference included Democratic Governors Janet Mills of Maine, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and Republican Governors Mike DeWine of Ohio, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, and Spencer Cox of Utah.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 152 million people, or 46% of the total U.S. population, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, but the vaccination rate has slowed in recent weeks.