In an unusual business, biotechnology Modern (NASDAQ: MRNA) and king of the ride sharing Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) are collaborating on a program to raise awareness about coronavirus vaccines.
According to a press release published jointly by the two companies, they “will work together initially to provide accessible and reliable information about vaccine safety through messages on the Uber app … [and] work with public health and other organizations to identify additional opportunities to support ongoing efforts to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines. “
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Moderna developed and launched on the market one of the only two coronavirus vaccines that received emergency use authorization (USA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its mRNA-1273, and Pfizer and BioNTechBNT162b2 da, are currently being distributed and administered across the country. Both releases were slow. Even if it is only marginally effective, this new initiative is welcome.
In addition to raising awareness about coronavirus vaccines, Moderna and Uber are considering more direct ways to inoculate Americans. This includes incorporating Uber’s travel schedule into scheduling immunization appointments, among other measures.
In the press release, Moderna’s CEO, Stephane Bancel, said that this is just the first in a series of collaborations for biotechnology.
“As part of our commitment to help solve COVID-19, Moderna will work with a coalition of partners to educate, build trust and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in communities significantly affected by the pandemic,” said Bancel. He did not identify these partners.
Last month, Uber committed to providing 10 million free or discounted travel for people to get their vaccines. This initiative aims to serve people in poor communities.