Out of frustration, an Atlanta man has created a text message tool that can help you find the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ben Warlick tried signing up his parents and mother in law for the vaccine and could never get an appointment. He said there were several websites to check and it was seemingly impossible to find an appointment. He wrote a code and came up with a text messaging system that sends you a text when appointments become available. Warlick is a lawyer with a tech background.  He decided to make the tool free to the public.

" I tried to make it as simple as possible because I know everyone wants this information,” says Warlick.

He says with the vaccine in short supply and in high demand, it takes the guesswork out of finding an appointment.  Instead of hoping to get lucky by logging on to the right website at the right time -- you get a text message.

It’s now available to residents of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Newton counties. All you need to do is text the word ‘VAX’ to 678-679-0250.

The reply text will ask which county you’re located in and which phase you are in. (Georgia is in Phase 1A right now, which means first responders, healthcare workers and people over 65 are eligible, among some other groups.)

“So many people just don’t have the resources to sit around and keep checking a website,” Warlick said.

Cox Media Group