(Mimzy / Pixabay)

To help eligible Illinois residents secure a coveted COVID-19 vaccine appointment, the state has launched a hotline for people who don’t have access to the internet or who have trouble making appointments online.

“We want to make sure our most vulnerable populations, such as our seniors and individuals in heavily impacted communities who may not have access to online services, are able to make appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a statement. “While vaccine is still limited, our allocations are increasing significantly and we want all Illinoisans to have access as quickly and easily as possible.”

To make a vaccine appointment, residents can call 833-621-1284 between 6 a.m. and midnight. The call center is open daily, with approximately 500 agents answering calls, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. English- and Spanish-speaking agents are available and callers who speak other languages can be helped via translators, according to officials.

Agents will help navigate callers through online vaccine registration sites if callers can access them. If someone doesn’t have access to online registration services or is unable to use them, the agent will make an appointment on the caller’s behalf. Individuals will need to provide agents will their name, address, email (if available), mobile phone number, date of birth and eligibility.

An agent will not ask for any financial information and the call center will not share information with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, according to IDPH.

To make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, call 833-621-1284. For more information about the coronavirus and vaccine, call 800-889-3931 or email [email protected].

Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 |  [email protected]