Google launches 'flu shot finder'

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. Google on Tuesday unveiled a new feature that allows people in search of either an H1N1 flu vaccine or seasonal flu vaccine to easily find nearby locations offering the vaccines.

Pieced together in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, the flu shot finder can be found at www.google.com/flushot. The same tool also will be available shortly on www.flu.gov and the American Lung Association's Web sites, Google reported.

“It’s important to note that this project is just beginning and we have not yet received information about flu shot clinics for many locations,” the company cautioned. “In addition, many locations that are shown are currently out of stock. We launched this service now in order to help disseminate information about locations where vaccines are available, and also to make more vaccine providers aware of the project so that they can contribute.”

For the moment, Google has data for locations of flu vaccines directly from 20 states and counting. “We are also continuing to add information from chain pharmacies and other providers in all 50 states; today, you’ll find results from chains such as Walgreens [and] CVS, and PDX participants such as Kmart, Duane Reade, WinnDixie and Giant Eagle,” the company stated.