Where to find the flu vaccine, with help from Google Maps

Google Maps mashups have been around for awhile, but the latest might be a matter of life or death.

Google last week announced a new Maps feature to make it easier to determine the availability of flu vaccine.

Users can now visit Google's new flu shot Google Maps page to find out if there is any vaccine available in their area.

Just type in your Zip code or town and the map will display vaccine available in your area. The tool will also be made available on the U.S. government's flu page and the American Lung Association's site, both partners in the project.

The only downside to the map is that Google's dependent on locales to report reserves; several locations haven't offered information on vaccine availability yet.

Google is working with the Centers for Disease Control, state and local health agencies, and other organization to add more vaccination locations to its maps.

The company counts 20 states so far with data, and is working with drugstore chains such as Walgreens and CVS to expand its reach.

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com