Apple Maps Now Displays COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

Following a similar move by Google, Apple has recently implemented an update to Apple Maps. This enhancement is designed to assist users in locating nearby COVID-19 vaccination sites.

Finding Vaccination Locations

Apple device users can utilize either Siri voice commands or direct searches within Apple Maps to identify COVID-19 vaccine providers throughout the United States. The company confirms this functionality is now available.

Search results will provide crucial details, including the operating hours of each location, complete addresses, contact phone numbers, and direct links to the provider's official website.

Utilizing Siri and the "Find Nearby" Feature

To access this information via voice control, users can pose a question to Siri such as, “Where is it possible to receive a COVID vaccination?” This query will automatically redirect them to Apple Maps.

Beyond Siri or a direct search, a dedicated option labeled “COVID-19 vaccinations” is now accessible within the Apple Maps “Find Nearby” menu.

Data Sourcing and Provider Information

Apple states that the data powering its vaccination location feature is sourced from VaccineFinder, an initiative spearheaded by Boston Children’s Hospital. This same data source also supports Google Maps’ vaccine-finding capabilities.

Healthcare providers, laboratories, and other relevant businesses are also able to submit their COVID-19 testing or vaccination location details through the Apple Business Register page. Apple will then verify this information before displaying it to users searching for local COVID-19 resources.

Current Availability and Future Expansion

Currently, information for over 20,000 vaccine locations is available through Apple Maps. Apple anticipates adding further sites in the coming weeks.

Ongoing COVID-19 Resource Integration

Throughout the pandemic, Apple has consistently integrated various COVID-related health resources into Apple Maps, both within the U.S. and internationally.

Last year, the company updated Apple Maps to showcase COVID-19 testing sites in numerous countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.

Furthermore, Apple added COVID-19 modules to business pages and expanded Siri’s knowledge base to encompass information about COVID-19, testing locations, and now, vaccination sites.

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