IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – An Iowa City web developer uses his skills to help Iowans find COVID-19 vaccine appointments as it opens in real time.
When Brian Finley was eligible for the vaccine on Monday, he learned exactly how difficult it can be to make an appointment. He decided to use his programming skills to use data from local pharmacies and post all the information in one place on Twitter. ‘I was eligible and several of my close relatives were, and I think I had the same experience as many other people were just as frustrated. Constantly refreshing or trying to find a vaccine appointment, ”says Finley.
The account, @IAVaccineAlerts, provides real-time updates on appointments from Hy-Vee, Walgreens and CVS locations in Iowa.
The bill was launched on Wednesday and has already garnered more than 6,000 followers. It helps dozens to find appointments for themselves and their loved ones. “It was just a flood of people thanking me. I’m already said that they are in tears because they got the vaccines for loved ones and family members, ‘says Finley,’ because I know I have the ability to do this kind of thing, I would almost feel guilty for not putting it there not. Just because everyone – most people – want the vaccine, and that there is really no downside to everyone getting the vaccine.
Finley says he recommends that people turn on alerts for the account, because open spaces can disappear within minutes.
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