As we continue to deal through the COVID-19 pandemic, Google has launched a new feature in Maps that will help Canadians find vaccine locations near them. The feature was designed in partnership with companies like Montreal-based Clinia Health, government agencies, and retail pharmacies.
Additionally, features in Search have been updated to provide information about vaccine efficacy, side effects, priority groups, statistics, and the latest COVID-19 related news to help Canadians make informed decisions. Just type “COVID-19 vaccine” in either Search or Maps.
According to Google, search interest for “vaccines near me” has increased 10 times over the last month as Canadians search for available spots and wait for eligibility. The top questions Canadians have searched for this month include: “How to book covid vaccine?,” “Which covid vaccine is best?,” “Where to get covid vaccine?,” “Side effects of the covid vaccines?,” and “How long does the covid vaccine last?”
Meanwhile, on YouTube, Google has partnered with Public Health Agency of Canada to offer a sit-down interview with YouTube creator Brandon Gonez and Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, to discuss and answer some of the top questions about vaccines. YouTube creator Jay Machalani will also interview Dr. Howard Njoo to discuss questions from his community like what differentiates an mRNA COVID vaccine from a viral-vector based one, and can you travel after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Google and Watchtime Canada, more than 70% of Canadians say they go to YouTube to get information and knowledge.