By Michael Dabaie

Walgreens and Uber Technologies Inc. said they are in an agreement to address barriers to Covid-19 vaccine equity.

Walgreens and Uber said they will roll out several initiatives over the coming months as vaccines become available for mass distribution. These include free transportation to Walgreens stores and offsite vaccine clinics as part of a larger commitment by Uber to provide up to 10 million free or discounted rides to vaccinations.

The companies said they will begin pilot transportation programs in cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and El Paso.

Initiatives include one-click access to pre-schedule rides on Uber when a Walgreens vaccination appointment is made and new in-app features to connect people, including active drivers, delivery people, and freight carriers using Uber, Uber Eats, or Uber Freight, with vaccines when they become more readily available.

The companies also will work on a new educational program with the National Urban League to address vaccine hesitancy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points to many interrelated factors that hinder vaccine access for communities of color, including vaccine hesitancy and lack of access to transportation, the companies said.

"Chicago Urban League is encouraged by Walgreens and Uber's efforts to partner with organizations like ours that work tirelessly in the fight for equity and equality. We look forward to collaborating with them to help ensure vaccines reach into communities of color more equitably," said Karen Freeman-Wilson, president and chief executive of Chicago Urban League.

Write to Michael Dabaie at michael.dabaie@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-09-21 0938ET