Flu clinic info now available through virtual assistant devices

FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, file photo, an Amazon Echo Dot is displayed during a program announcing several new Amazon products by the company, in Seattle. A test by an AP reporter finds that the virtual assistant Alexa inside the Echo Dot is good at reordering stuff bought previously on Amazon. But asking it to order new items was trickier, and it's definitely not for browsing. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Flu clinic information is now available through various virtual assistants.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) said it’s the first public healthcare organization in the country to use the devices for its services.

Once you’ve downloaded the corresponding app on your cell phone Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices can be used by simply saying “Ask Alberta Health Services for flu shots.”

The device will then provide information about your nearest flu clinic, including hours and location details.

It can also provide up-to-date estimated emergency department wait times for specific areas and the latest news.

Those who use Google mobile devices can also use the service through their phone’s Google Assistant.