Getting to Your Vaccine Appointment: You Have Options
You might be able to get a free ride to your vaccine appointment
Access to reliable transportation is a common healthcare barrier for millions of Americans. While vaccines are available to everyone in Washington who is eligible, we recognize that a vaccine appointment is meaningless if you can’t get there.
It’s hard to believe it’s already been six months since the vaccine’s arrival. Since it arrived, we’ve been working with partners across the state, and country, to provide free or discounted transportation to vaccine appointments.
The bottom line? We’ve got you covered. Help is available if you or a loved one need a lift to an appointment. In fact, there may be several different options available to you.
Several transportation options were made possible by the Department of Health’s Vaccine Action Command and Coordination System (VACCS) Center, which is a public-private partnership program. VACCS has partnered with Lyft, Uber, United Way Worldwide, Washington 211 and Sea Mar Community Health Centers to provide access to free and discounted rides to vaccine appointments for people with transportation challenges.
Uber & Lyft
Rideshare company apps Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to vaccine appointments for a limited time. Check out their websites (Uber and Lyft) for more details
People can use their apps to find a vaccine site; or if you’ve already booked your appointment, you can search your provider through the app. Riders will then receive a ride code to get to and from their appointment(s).
Riders and drivers are required to wear face coverings, leave the front seat empty, and keep windows rolled down whenever possible.
Medicaid/Apple Health
The Washington State Health Care Authority offers transportation to non-emergency health care appointments, including COVID-19 vaccine appointments. This service is free for people with Apple Health (Washington’s Medicaid program).
Call the transportation broker for your county to set up a ride. Plan ahead if you can. Health Care Authority recommends contacting the transportation broker at least 7–14 days before your appointment.
Public Transit
Live in the Seattle area? Sound Transit’s link light rail is free to passengers traveling to or from appointments at vaccination sites, local pharmacies, and medical facilities along Link routes. For a free ride, you just need to show proof of your appointment.
Pierce Transit is also offering free bus rides to people going to vaccine appointments.
Remember to wear your mask and to follow distancing guidelines when using public transit.
Local Resources
There may be additional transportation services depending on where you live. Some of these resources include:
- Trip Resource Center (Southwest Washington)
- Hopelink Transportation Resource (King County)
- Spokane Transportation Authority (pdf) (Spokane)
- Ash Way Park & Ride (Snohomish County)
Need help navigating your options or booking a ride? You can call the state COVID-19 information hotline at 833-VAX-HELP and a hotline specialist will assist you in coordinating the rides.
More information
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Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone 12 and older. For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org and use the vaccine locator tool to find an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
WA Notify can alert you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19. Add WA Notify to your phone today: WANotify.org
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.
