Apple plans to update much of its Maps app, especially with the iOS 145 update But you don't have to wait for its release to take advantage of one of the more useful additions to Apple's Maps app

Starting this week, Apple Maps now allows users to find COVID-19 vaccinations with a simple search They can also use Siri to locate vaccinations The information comes from VaccineFinder, a project of the Centers for Disease Control and Boston Children's Hospital

Thanks to the new integration, users can ask Siri, "Where can I get a COVID vaccination?"

and ask, "Where can I get a COVID vaccination? Results are displayed along with nearby locations Using Maps, the user can find a list in the "Search Nearby" section of the appropriate location

The test location is displayed in a unique red banner on the Apple Maps card The service will also work with Google Maps, following Google and Apple's partnership last year to stop the spread of the coronavirus

In addition, Apple is inviting healthcare providers to submit information about their COVID-19 testing and vaccination locations to the Apple Business Register page If approved, the information will appear in the Maps app

VaccineFinder is an online resource that provides "up-to-date vaccine information available at pharmacy medical offices across the United States" It provides hours of operation, addresses, phone numbers, and a website where appointments can be made