Nov 11, 2009 9:08 pm US/Central
Google Search Helps Users Find Flu Shots
PITTSBURGH (CBS) ―
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In this photo illustration the H1N1 swine flu vaccination Pandemic, the intensifier and a syringe are seen at Virchow clinical center on Oct. 26, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Looking for a flu shot? A new online tool can help you find one, CBS station KDKA-TV reports.
"We were having some discussions with the Department of Health and Human Services and thought that people didn't have the information they needed about where they can go to get their vaccines for both the regular seasonal flu and H1N1," explains Kamal Nigam, the Google engineering manager in Pittsburgh.
Google Flu Shot Finder is easy to use. You enter your zip code and it will give you locations near you that have either seasonal flu vaccine -- the red syringe, the H1N1 vaccine -- the blue syringe or the striped syringe, indicating both. You'll see the hours of operation and the fee.
"We work with local and state agencies to collect that information. You'll find, for example, the Allegheny County Health Department listed there in Oakland. We also get data from large retailers like Giant Eagle, Walgreens, CVS. People who have a lot of locations where you can get those vaccines," says Nigam.
But be aware the information isn't always up to date.
For example, the Parkway Center Giant Eagle is listed as having both types of flu shots. A spokesman for Giant Eagle says that location actually doesn't have the H1N1 vaccine, because it has been so hard to get hold of. The website is a good starting point, but always call first before heading out.
"You really need to call ahead, really need to make the contact so you know it will be available, and it would be appropriate for you to get it as a person," warns Nigam, who expects that this would help prevent people outside the priority groups from consuming vaccine before those who need it more.
Some listed locations are out of stock.
Some locations are well-stocked, but not listed.
"Sure, I want people to know I have flu vaccine, and I haven't had one person I've turned down for a flu shot," says David Hairhoger, the pharmacist at Greenfield Community Drug.
Twenty states are participating in the
Google Flu Shot Finder.
Google reached out to major retailers and state and local health departments to get information about where flu shots are available.
It's relying on these various parties to contact Google with updates on their supplies. The search engine is still working on ways to make the list more comprehensive, so that everyone who has flu shots available is included.
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