Google AI sent patients to the wrong place for flu shots

Google’s AI search summary led people to seek flu vaccinations at the wrong time in North Ostrobothnia, Yle reported.

Several people arrived at the social and health centre in Himanka, part of Kalajoki, on Thursday morning to get vaccinated, even though flu shots are not currently given there. They had searched online and relied on incorrect information in an AI-generated summary.

“The AI seems to have found some old announcements and provided incorrect information based on them,” said Outi Korhonen, communications manager for the North Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county, known as Pohde.

Pohde issued a public notice warning that incorrect information about flu vaccinations had spread through services such as Google’s AI search. The county urged people to check its website for accurate vaccination times.

“It is unfortunate if people are directed to the wrong places and at the wrong times,” Korhonen said. She added that Pohde is trying to establish what can be done about the problem.