NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 29, 2023) – Based on popular demand, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, in partnership with Blue Krewe, is extending sponsorship of free Blue Bikes rides for seasonal vaccine appointments. Through Dec. 31, riders can use the code VaxUpNola23 for two free, 30-minute rides to and from clinics, doctors’ offices, pharmacies or their preferred vaccine locations.
“Health officials are already reporting increases in respiratory illnesses around Louisiana. With the holiday season getting underway, we want to help everyone get their preventive vaccines and lower their risks,” said Michael Tipton, head of Community Relations at Blue Cross and president of the Blue Cross Foundation. “We originally sponsored free Blue Bikes rides for vaccine appointments through Nov. 30, but we’ve been pleased to see steady uptake of the code. We are extending our sponsorship of this promotion to make it as easy as possible for people to get their seasonal vaccines before the winter months and peak illness season.”
“Blue Krewe is thrilled to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana for the third consecutive year, offering free Blue Bikes rides for seasonal vaccine appointments. We hope that Blue Bikes can reduce transportation barriers for New Orleanians to access healthcare. Together, we're ensuring that individuals can travel conveniently and affordably to clinics, pharmacies, or preferred vaccine locations, reinforcing our dedication to community health as we ride into the winter season," said Blue Krewe CEO Geoff Coats.
Seasonal Vaccine Recommendations
Federal health officials issued recent guidance for seasonal vaccines:
• Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot
• Everyone six months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine that protects against the virus strains currently going around
• Adults 60 and older and pregnant people should get a new vaccine that protects against RSV
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Medical Director Dr. Larry Simon recently appeared on WWL-TV’s “Great Day Louisiana” to talk about the latest vaccine recommendations and how to prevent the spread of illnesses. Watch his interview here (5:44).
Seasonal vaccines are covered at $0 or very low cost on most health plans. If you have questions about vaccine coverage on your health plan, contact Customer Service at the number on your member ID card.
If you have questions about which seasonal vaccines you need or when you should get them, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
To Use Your Free Ride for a Vaccine Appointment:
1. Download the Blue Bikes NOLA app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play.
2. To redeem your promo code and start your free ride, open your Blue Bikes NOLA app and tap on your name in the upper-left corner. This will pull up a sidebar of account options. Tap on "promo codes," which will take you to the code redemption screen.
3. Enter the promo code VaxUpNola23 in the field provided and tap "submit." This will give you two free, 30-minute rides that you can use to travel to and from your vaccine appointment.
You must be 18 or older to ride Blue Bikes. Each individual rider can only use this code one time through Dec. 31. The Blue Bikes free ride code is only valid for trips to and from vaccine sites that are located within the bikeshare program’s service area.
Riders will be charged the standard Blue Bikes rate of 15 cents per minute for any time they ride outside of the free 30 minutes. All other standard Blue Bikes fees such as out-of-hub convenience charge and out-of-service-area fee apply.
Show us how you used the code by posting photos of your ride to vaccine appointments on your personal social media, tagging Blue Bikes (@BlueBikesNOLA) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (@BCBSLA).
About Blue Krewe
Founded in New Orleans in 2020, Blue Krewe is a local, community-based non-profit that manages and operates the Blue Bikes program. Recognizing the importance of Blue Bikes as a healthy, equitable, and environmentally-friendly transportation option, local bikeshare enthusiasts - such former Blue Bikes staff, biking and pedestrian advocates, philanthropists and community healthcare advocates - came together to form Blue Krewe. Here at Blue Krewe, we are committed to our mission to provide the Greater New Orleans region with equitable shared micro-mobility solutions that are rooted in and supportive of our community.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation provided critical start-up funding and fiscal sponsorship for Blue Krewe. Blue Krewe's partners include Bike Easy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. To donate, volunteer or learn more visit www.BlueKrewe.org.
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