Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims to offer discounts and incentives to drive vaccine uptake among young people

Businesses including Uber, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are to offer discounts and incentives to customers who get a Covid-19 vaccine in a bid to further drive uptake among young people.

Details were scarce, but Uber will be offering discounted rides and meals on Uber Eats for young adults who get the jab. Pizza Pilgrims, meanwhile, is in discussion with the government to offer one of its central London pizzerias that is yet to reopen as a location for drop-in vaccination clinics, and could see a free slice of pizza given to those attending the clinic on the day.

A spokesperson for the group clarified there was no intention to offer widespread and ongoing discounts or vouchers based on vaccination status.

The government said it would publish further details on these partnerships “in due course”, and health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that companies will not ask for or hold any health data for the scheme.

Other incentives could include vouchers or discount codes for people attending pop-up vaccine sites and booking though the NHS, social media competitions and promotional offers for restaurants.

"By making getting your jab as easy as grabbing a slice of pizza, hopefully we can help our teams and customers get both their first and second doses as easily and quickly as possible," said Thom Elliot, Pizza Pilgrims founder.

"We are lucky enough to have the space and locations that can help make this convenient for people, so are happy to help if we can."

Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “We’re proud to be working with the government on this important campaign to encourage everyone to get their jab.”

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi added: “Thank you to the businesses who have backed this mission – please get your jabs as soon as you can and grab a bargain.”

A total of 84.7 million doses have been administered in the UK, with 46.7 million people receiving a first dose (88.4%) and 37.9 million people receiving both doses (71.8%). Around 67% of people aged 18-29 in England have already received a first dose of a vaccine.