The Illinois Department of Health has launched a Vaccine Appointment Call Center to help people make COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

According to a news release, the call center can help individuals who may have trouble navigating online appointment services. Illinois is expecting to receive more vaccine shipments from the federal government and appointments are expected to be more widely available, according to the release.

“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,” IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike said in the release. “While vaccine is still limited, our allocations are increasing significantly and we want all Illinoisans to have access as quickly and easily as possible.”

Currently, the call center is open from 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. There are about 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, according to the release.

According to the release, 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 will not ask for any financial information and the call center will not 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.