Uber is delivering flu shots today. We gave it a try

Uber has delivered puppies and kittens in one-off promotions before. Today, the transportation network service company is providing something a little more directly beneficial to your health.
UberHEALTH is offering a wellness bag with tissues, sanitizer and an appropriately branded water bottle for $10. But the catch is that it’s delivered by a nurse who can provide a flu shot for you, and up to 10 people. It’s more of an experiment than a new feature, as the promotion is only available via the app from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19.
The company took the temperature on the idea last year in New York, D.C. and Boston, said Uber Baltimore General Manager David Burd. Demand led to an expansion to 35 cities this year, including Baltimore.
“Less than 50 percent of folks get flu shots,” Burd said. “This is a really great value we can add to the community.”
This reporter tried the service Thursday.
Tracie Sutton, a nurse for Passport Health in Federal Hill, came to the ETC Haven campus via Uber. Since I had a busy morning, I didn’t fully read about the service beforehand. So when Sutton arrived, I was surprised when she asked me if I wanted a flu shot.
I agreed, and she then said we would have to find a suitable place. The nearest couch on the first floor of the ETC building seemed suitable.
After signing a waiver, Sutton got out the needle. Even though I hate needles, I stood stoically.
“You’re going to have to sit down,” she said. “Men are more likely to faint.”
Even after making the mistake of looking at the needle, it wasn’t nearly as bad as expected.
Perhaps there’s room for another tech giant to adopt the poke, after all.