IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG): An Iowa City web developer uses his skills to help Iowans find COVID-19 vaccine appointments as they open in real time.
When Brian Finley was eligible for the vaccine on Monday, he knew exactly how difficult it can be to get an appointment. He decided to use his programming skills to use data from local pharmacies and put all the information in one place, on Twitter. “I was eligible and several of my close family were, and I think I had the same experience as a lot of other people, to the point of frustration. Constantly refreshing or trying to find an appointment for the vaccine, ”Finley says.
The bill, @AVaccineAlerts, offers real-time updates on Hy-Vee dating, Walgreens and CVS locations in Iowa.
The account was released on Wednesday and has already gained more than 6,000 followers, helping dozens find dating for them and their loved ones. “It’s just been a flood of people thanking me, I’ve made people say they’re crying after receiving vaccine appointments for loved ones and family,” Finley says, “Knowing I had the ability to do this thing, I would almost have felt guilty for not putting it out there.Just because everyone, most people, want the vaccine, and there is no inconvenience in everyone doing it.
Finley says he recommends people activate account alerts, because open sites can disappear in minutes.
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