Google Launches Flu Shot Finder

This time last year, we told you about Google Flu Trends, the search giant's tool that aggregates search data to estimate flu activity up to two weeks faster than traditional flu surveillance systems. Well, Google has just added another tool to the flu information arsenal - a Flu Shot Finder on Google Maps  <www.google.com/flushot>. From the announcement:

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. 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.

Especially given slower than expected vaccine production, we think it's important to bring together flu shot information in a coherent manner. We've been working with HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health agencies to gather information on flu vaccine locations across the country, particularly for the H1N1 flu vaccine (both the nasal-spray vaccine and the shot). At the moment we have data for locations of flu vaccine 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, CVS and PDX participants, such as Kmart, Duane Reade, WinnDixie and Giant Eagle.

A search on the Library's address brings up a list of flu shot providers nearby. Different colored syringes denote the type of flu shot available — pink for seasonal flu, blue for H1N1, and bi-colored for both. Unfortunately, all of the providers nearby are currently out-of-stock of both types of shots.