22 August 2016
RIYADH: Local pilgrims can get a flu shot and vaccination against meningitis at their doorstep under a new program launched by the Health Ministry.

The ministry will carry out the program in cooperation with Uber transport service.

The service, available in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, is offered between 4 and 10 p.m. daily for a period of five days. It started on Sunday.

According to information available on the Uber site, the medical team will visit the caller and give the necessary dose of vaccination at his/her doorstep.

A ministry official said that the vaccination drive was being carried out under the National Transformation Program (NTP 2020).

A statement issued by Uber said: "This is a partnership with the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia.

We're making it easy for both pilgrims and residents to avail themselves of preventive health care by launching vaccines on-demand."

It added: "From 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. every day, until Thursday, Aug. 25, we will be delivering vaccines on-demand at no cost. If you request, you'll receive a free flu shot and a free vaccine against meningitis from health care professionals at the Ministry of Health, wherever you are in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province, at the single touch of a button."

Uber gives further information on "How it Works" on its website.

© Arab News 2016