Amazon's Alexa Now Helps Users Find COVID-19 Vaccines

Amazon's Alexa has joined the vaccine conversation. As of today, the technology is able to answer questions about COVID-19 immunization sites and eligibility. The data is powered by VaccineFinder, a tool created by Boston Children's Hospital with CDC support. 

When a user asks Alexa about COVID-19 vaccinations in their area, the technology can reply with a list of centers in close proximity. Users are then able to instruct Alexa to call one of the centers that have been listed, according to an Amazon release.

Alexa is also programmed to tell users about vaccine availability and eligibility requirements in 85 countries.  

Beyond vaccinations, Alexa is also able to help users find COVID-19 testing centers close to them. As with vaccinations, Alexa is able to connect users to a testing site.