Trouble finding H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine locations? Google can help

November 10, 10:05 PMNatural Health ExaminerGenevieve Kiger

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GoogleMaps' Flu Shot Finder Provides Information on Locations
to Receive Seasonal Flu Vaccines and H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccines

Early on the morning of November 10th, Google announced the latest of its new informational tools to help people deal with the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic — the Google Maps Flu Shot Finder.

Why Was the Flu Shot Finder Created?

According to Google's blog, "This year, it's especially important to have clear information on what you can do to prepare for the flu season.  . . . 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)."

What Information Can be Found on the Flu Shot Finder?

As of the date of launch, there is information on where to find both regular seasonal flu vaccines, and the H1N1 swine flu vaccinations, both the FluMist nasal spray and the H1N1 shots.  So far, reasonably comprehensive information from 20 states is included,  and nation-wide information from chain phramacies and PDX participants, such as Walgreens, CVS, Kmart, Duane Reade, WinnDixie, and Giant Eagle.

What Isn't Included

So far, actual availability of the flu vaccinations cannot be found through the Flu Shot Finder.  So, since the H1N1 swine flu shot especially is in short supply, you'll need to call ahead to find out if a given provider actually has any seasonal flu of H1N1 swine flu shots or nasal vaccine available.  

Information on who is eligible to receive the H1N1 swine flu shots, since the H1N1 vaccine is still being rationed, is also not available, and contacting the location first to make sure you can get it would be wise.

Check out all the Natural Health Examiner's H1N1 articles, or one of these Recommended Articles:

• What are the symptoms of swine flu?, detailing the H1N1 symptoms, as well as the warning signs of severe illness
• H1N1 Swine Flu, regular flu, & the common cold: symptom differences - a comparative look at the symptoms of each virus
• Do I have H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms? New website may help answer, for a look at the symptoms and a website that may help determine if symptoms mean swine flu, and how likely they are severe
• What to do if you have H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms, for more in-depth advice on dealing with swine flu symptoms once you have it
• H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine confusion for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, looking at who should and should not receive the H1N1 swine flu vaccination

For more on natural antivirals and ways to prevent and treat Swine Flu symptoms, be sure to read:

• Natural Ways to Prevent Swine Flu
• Natural Treatment for H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms
• Natural ways to boost immune system health, for a broad look at natural ways to increase immunity
• Top Ten Overall Immune System Booster Foods, looking more specifically at immunity builders in the diet
• Natural Antiviral Alternatives for an overview of foods, herbs, and essential oils that have natural antiviral properties

For a touch of humor, be sure to check out these great t-shits and other products about the Swine Flu Panic.

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