Amazon has updated its Alexa Voice Search so that it can find users a COVID-19 vaccine available and near their area, by only asking the AI assistant. Users would no longer need to go to the web browsers or download an app for this, as the AI assistant would do it for them. This venture is part of Amazon's help in vaccinating the entire country and aid those that search for it. 

Currently, the case of COVID-19 has been a massive problem for the country and the entire world, as the Delta variant spread rapidly. Moreover, it is also known to infect the unvaccinated easily, as well as report cases of the vaccinated diagnosed with this. 

Amazon Alexa: COVID-19 Vaccine Voice Assistant

Amazon Alexa for Finding COVID-19 Vaccines
(Photo : Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Having one's Amazon Echo Dot turned on can pick up the command that triggers Alexa to respond, and it can either be "Hello, Alexa," or the new masculine voice with "Hello, Ziggy." While users can do a lot with their trusty Alexa AI assistant like talk about the weather or give several updates, turning on timers, and the like, there is one other thing it could do. 

Amazon has reconfigured Alexa to help in locating vaccination sites and availability, helping people to sign-up and book a slot for their vaccination ventures. Initially, it was strengthened for India, as the country is known to have problems with its COVID-19 cases. 

However, it can also be used for the US, as the service is native to the country, and is connected greatly to more partners here. The utilization of Alexa to secure vaccines is an ingenious way, especially for those hesitant and think it's a bothersome task. 

Also Read: Amazon's Alexa Rolls Out Male Voice Assistant Called Ziggy

AI Assistant for Vaccines

Alexa's AI assistant feature can transcend for more than menial tasks that people think of, as they are "smarter" than what people perceive them to be. More often than not, Alexa and other AI assistants are left to be forgotten of their real purpose, as people prefer a more hands-on process while using a smart device.

Alexa closeup
(Photo : Andres Urena)

However, Amazon's Alexa is more capable than one thinks of it, especially as it can help in life or death situations, and health concerns. Vaccines are one of the most crucial things in the present. It is known that Amazon is now in a dilemma for requiring the vaccine for returning workers or risk losing its manpower. 

Several of these said employees are anti-vax people or non-believers. 

Will this help Extending Vaccination to People?

No efforts are truly wasted, and even small stuff like this can help extend vaccination to people that are not yet getting their jabs. Maybe, Alexa's assistance, as well as Siri and Google may help in giving people knowledge on vaccinations and lead them right to clinics or centers for the immunization dose. 

However, Alexa and other voice assistant's help in securing a vaccination location and schedule is not a sure thing, and would still depend on the person to continue with it.

Related Article: [LISTEN] AI Voice Actors Keep On Sounding More 'Human;' Are They Going to Replace People?

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Written by Isaiah Richard

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