SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Friday launched the Vaccine Appointment Call Center to assist people who do not have access to or who have difficulty navigating online services in making appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
As Illinois begins to receive significantly more vaccine from the federal government and appointments become more widely available, officials said the call center could help bridge the digital divide and help make sure the vaccine reaches all communities.
Currently, the call center is open seven days a week from 6 am to midnight. There are approximately 500 agents answering calls with the ability to expand during peak periods.
The call center has English and Spanish speaking call agents with the availability for translation into other languages.
Call agents will help individuals who do have access to online services navigate the various registration sites. However, if the individual does not have access to online services or is unable to navigate the site, the agent will make an appointment on their behalf.
Individuals will need to provide the agent with their name, address, email (if available), mobile phone number, date of birth, and eligibility. The agent won’t ask for any financial information and the call center won’t share information with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
During heavy calling periods, callers could experience wait times before speaking with a call agent. In the coming week, the call center will offer the option for callers to leave a message and be called back when an agent is available.
The toll-free Vaccine Appointment Call Center phone number is 833-621-1284 and can take TTY calls.
For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ guidance, call 800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@illinois.gov.