Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. News

Apple Maps now shows you COVID-19 vaccination locations

Trevor Mogg
By

Apple has added a new feature to Apple Maps that shows where you can get a COVID-19 vaccination.

The feature is powered by data from VaccineFinder, an online service developed by Boston Children’s Hospital that offers the latest vaccine availability information at providers and pharmacies throughout the U.S.

Recommended Videos

You can find nearby COVID-19 vaccination locations by tapping in the search bar in Apple Maps and then selecting COVID-19 Vaccines in the Find Nearby menu that appears. Alternatively, ask Siri, “Where can I get a COVID vaccination?”

Related

“The Apple Maps place-card 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,” Apple said in a message announcing the new feature. The initial rollout includes data for more than 20,000 locations, with Apple planning to add more sites in the coming weeks.

The tech giant said that to boost the usefulness of the feature, healthcare providers, labs, and other businesses can also submit information on COVID-19 testing or vaccination locations through the Apple Business Register page. Once the submitted information has been validated, Apple will add relevant details about the testing or vaccination location to Apple Maps and other services that it operates.

The Cupertino, California-based company noted that the latest update follows others from the company aimed at helping iPhone and iPad owners access useful pandemic-related information.

These include information in Apple Maps on COVID-19 testing locations, which Apple added last year for customers in multiple countries. It also allows businesses to display COVID-19-related information for customers, such as special shopping hours. Siri has also been equipped with new smarts that enable it to respond to inquiries about things like outdoor dining options or nearby restaurants offering takeout. Siri Audio Briefs give users news and information updates related to the pandemic, and the digital assistant can also give useful guidance if asked, “How do I know if I have coronavirus?”

In a similar move, Facebook earlier this week added a tool to its COVID Information Center that shows details for vaccination locations, including when and where you can get it, and the ability to book an appointment. Facebook has also partnered with Boston Children’s Hospital for the data that powers the feature.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Trevor Mogg
Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Apple will now let you fix your own iPhone in win for right-to-repair campaigners
iPhone 13 Pro style shot.

Apple will finally let iPhone users repair their own iPhones, the company announced this week. It will start this effort with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series, with an expansion to older iPhones and more of its product lines in the near future. Dubbed Self Service Repair, it is aimed at those customers who have the experience, skills, and willingness to get hands-on with product repairs. The company will send (or rather, sell) people parts, tools, and a manual in what is a huge win for right-to-repair campaigners.

The new Apple Self Service Repair Online Store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools for sale.  Apple also noted that these customers who get access to the parts, tools, and manuals join a club of more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers.

Read more
Apple Fitness+ now lets you work out with your friends
Apple Fitness Plus on Apple One.

During the Apple California Streaming event, Apple Fitness+ has introduced Group Workouts on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. You will still see your own metrics on display on the screen, but you will also be able to see an indicator of how well your friends are doing in their workouts. It's a fun way to bring a competitive element to working out and to keep yourself and your friends motivated.

Apple has also expanded its Apple Fitness+ program to include even more countries. While it's currently available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and New Zealand, Apple is adding support for 15 more countries including Italy, Austria, and Brazil. New subscribers to the service will receive one month for free, or three months free with the purchase of an Apple Watch. Afterward, the service is $10 per month or $80 per year in the U.S.

Read more
How to use the Apple Maps globe view in MacOS Monterey
A Safari window and Apple Maps showing the globe view, both running on MacOS Monterey

In MacOS Monterey, Apple has updated its Apple Maps app to include a new globe view. This shows Earth floating in space, allowing you to quickly spin the planet and zoom in on any location of your choosing.

Using it is straightforward, but it can feel a little hidden since there is no obvious button to click that will activate it. Not to worry, as our guide will show you how to use it, including a few useful features that make it even more useful.

Read more