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Uber’s courtship of upstate NY continues with free flu shots

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – You can’t order an Uber in upstate New York, but on Tuesday people in Syracuse and Albany could use the app-based ride-hailing service to hail a free flu shot.

The promotion allowed users to request a visit from a registered nurse who administered the flu vaccine and dropped off care packages with cough drops and hand sanitizer.

Uber’s New York General Manager Josh Mohrer said that while government “dysfunction” prevents upstate New Yorkers from using Uber, the company wanted to help them stay healthy.

Last summer Uber delivered free ice cream in selected upstate cities.

New York lawmakers declined to pass legislation this year allowing Uber to expand outside New York City. Buffalo is the largest U.S. city without Uber.

The company is expected to try again next year.