Apple device users in Germany, Australia, the United States, Singapore, among other countries will be able to search for vaccination sites from the maps app.
Apple added a new functionality to the Maps application of its mobile devices through VaccineFinder, a tool created by Boston Children's Hospital. This will allow users to perform handbooks searches on nearby vaccination center locations or ask Apple's AI assistant Siri.
“The Apple Maps placecard for each vaccine site will include the operating hours, address, phone numbers, and a link to the provider’s website, where Maps users can learn more about available vaccines and book appointments. The initial rollout includes more than 20,000 locations, with Apple adding more sites in the coming weeks.," the Apple release explains.
Through Apple Business Register healthcare providers, laboratory or other healthcare delivery companies can submit their information and register on the Map. Either as an authorized vaccination site or a site where COVID-19 tests are performed.
Moreover, the Maps app shows COVID-19 test sites in the following countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States.
Apple Maps has also been updated to provide information about stores and restaurants offering their services and their updated opening hours depending on the restrictions implemented by local authorities.
Siri has also been updated to answer questions about COVID-19 and display the latest updates and important information such as vaccine approvals, confirmed cases in the last few hours, among others.
