Public Health News South Africa

Discover UberHEALTH this May

Discovery and Uber, the innovative app that connects riders with drivers, are making it easy for everyone to be vaccinated with the delivery of UberHEALTH. Between 10am and 4pm on 22 May, Discovery Health will be providing accredited nurses to deliver flu vaccinations for up to five people per trip requested through the Uber app at a fare of R100. The offer will be open to residents of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Dr Noluthando Nematswerani from Discovery Health says, "The key point about vaccinations is that the benefits far outweigh the potential side effects and the discomfort that is caused by the actual illness. Our partnership with Uber which accentuates the convenience of getting the flu vaccination is an exciting way for us to encourage more people to immunize."

"It is particularly important for young children under five, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, people who have asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease and other chronic conditions to be vaccinated against flu as they are considered high risk. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that provide protection against the flu to develop in the body. With roughly a month remaining until we hit the winter solstice, there is still time for people to get their vaccine and decrease the risk of contracting the flu virus."

Alon LIts, General Manager of Uber Johannesburg and Durban "We are really excited to be partnering with Discovery, bringing UberHealth to South Africa. Discovery and Uber are brands that are constantly questioning the status quo, being able to open up the Uber system to distribute this kind of medical care is really changing the way we think about flu prevention."

Influenza infection causes significant morbidity worldwide and represents a public health problem with considerable socioeconomic implications. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infections and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses.

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