Need a ride for a COVID shot? Uber offering free trips to Miami-Dade vaccine sites
People without cars can now book a free Uber ride if they pre-register to get their COVID-19 vaccination at Miami-Dade County-run sites Tropical Park, Zoo Miami and Homestead Sports Complex.
It’s part of a new partnership among Miami-Dade County, the United Way and Uber’s 10 Million Free Rides campaign to make it easier for people to get a shot.
The rideshare company is donating 21,000 rides, Miami-Dade County spokeswoman Rachel Johnson told the Miami Herald on Thursday. She said it’s part of the county’s efforts to remove barriers and increase vaccine access — particularly for those who live in underserved communities or don’t have reliable transportation.
This way, anyone who wants a shot can get one, she said.
How to get a free Uber ride to a Miami-Dade COVID-19 vaccine site?
Anyone can preregister for a vaccine through miamidade.gov/vaccine or by calling 305-614-2014. They also can notify the county if they need transportation.
Once you’re contacted to schedule an appointment, an Uber promo code will be given to you while supplies last. The promo will pay for up to four trips, each up to $35, to ensure you get your first and second dose.
While the Tropical Park, Zoo Miami and Homestead Sports Complex sites are drive-thru, Johnson said that anyone who uses the promo code will be allowed to get out of the Uber to get the shot. They then can call another Uber when they’re done.
If you can’t make it to your appointment, or you find an opportunity to get the shot sooner, the code can still be used to get a ride to any of the permanent walk-up sites in Miami-Dade County, she said. This includes the Overtown Youth Center, Bucky Dent Park in Hialeah and the federally-supported site at Miami Dade College North campus.
United Way will also be working with its community partners to help distribute the code to people who need it. Uber says that while the code can be used for any of the walk-up sites in Miami-Dade, it cannot be used for drive-thru only sites.
Thursday’s announcement comes a day after Jackson Health System, Miami-Dade County’s public hospital network, said it would end first dose vaccinations soon and divert its supply to the county because of dwindling demand.
Uber had previously partnered with United Teachers of Dade, the teacher union for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, to provide 1,000 free round-trip rides to district teachers and school staff to help them get vaccinated.
Hey, Curious305: Do I need a Florida driver’s license or ID for a walk-up vaccination?
