We are finally getting to the point where more and more people are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. My wife and I got our first dose this past Friday, and I have never been more happy to see a nurse in my life. However, I know that some people who are eligible are still having some difficulties finding out where to go. I myself have relatives in other states who are less tech-savvy and have been having difficulties. If you are trying to find a place to get the vaccine, either for yourself or to assist your friends or family members, the Maps app on your iPhone (or iPad) can now provide some help.
Apple announced yesterday that the Maps app can now identify over 20,000 locations where the vaccines are available. You can also find out the operating hours, addresses, phone numbers, and link to the websites that you can use to book appointments.
For example, here in New Orleans, if I search for Vaccination Sites in Maps, I see that there are 25 locations near me:
The data comes from a free online service called VaccineFinder. And unfortunately, that seems to mean that the data is not complete in some areas. For example, all of the New Orleans locations are pharmacies, which means that the Maps app is not currently showing some of the “super vaccination” sites such as the New Orleans Convention Center and the drive-through location at the baseball stadium on Airline Highway (which is where I went). But it is a start.
If you are advising a loved one who lives in another city, this is an easy resource to use as you help them to make an appointment for the vaccine.
By the way, you can still use the Maps app if you need find a place to get a COVID-19 test. Just search for COVID-19 Testing in the Maps app.
