People aged 45-49 can register now for COVID-19 vaccine; Uber offers free taxi trips

Last updated May 20, 2021

DUBLIN: The registration process for people aged 45 to 50 to get the COVID-19 vaccine is currently in progress. The HSE CEO Paul Reid said that the announcement for this age group will be completed within the next few days. Thereafter, registration for those in their thirties will begin.

There is always a short period of time before moving on to the next age. The HSE had earlier stated that the cyber-attack would not affect vaccination and COVID-19 tests. Today, 48-year-olds can register for the vaccine.

The HSE had informed that COVID-19 test centers are also operational without an appointment and that their locations are listed online.

HSE’s internal communication system is down due to cyber-attack. As a result, data on the number of COVID-19 deaths, as well as case numbers by county, could not be published. HSE Chief Operating Officer Anne O’Connor said it would take up to a week to resolve all hacking issues.

Uber taxi offers free trips to and from four vaccination centres

Uber has offered free service to four vaccination centres in Dublin until the end of August. The taxi service app said it will provide services to and from vaccination centres.

To activate this offer, passengers must enter the code “dublinhub” in the app before booking a journey. The offer is only applicable for people getting vaccinated at Aviva Stadium, Citywest Convention Centre, Dublin City University’s Helix Theatre, or Croke Park.

Uber said this can normally cost up to €20 per trip. This free trip is applicable for both the first and second dose appointments. So the company provides a free service worth €80 per person.

Ash Kebriti, Uber’s general manager for UK and Ireland, said this offer is intended to “help remove any barriers that could prevent anyone from travelling safely to get their jab, so we’re covering free trips for anyone in Dublin who is entitled to get the vaccine.”

This is not the first time that taxi companies have provided such services since the onset of Pandemic. In February, Bleeper, an app-based bike share service provider, offered free bike rides to Dubliners getting their vaccine. Uber’s current offer expires on August 31.