West Central Reporter

The McDonough County Health Department had to close its call center for several days in early February due to being fully booked.

"The call center will be closed for the remainder of the week," health department officials said in a Facebook post, MSN reported. "We will update the public once we have slots available for appointments."

Health officials have confirmed that the call center will be re-opened starting next week to take appointments for frontline healthcare workers and residents 65 years-of-age or older, as well as to answer any questions the public has, MSN reported.

"Please understand that demand for vaccine still outweigh the supply we have. We ask for continued patience as we move forward with vaccination efforts," health officials said.

The coronavirus vaccine call center can be reached at 833-665-4VAX(829) between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Health officials also reminded residents to bring confirmation of their appointment to the vaccine center.

"You should have received a confirmation ticket with your name, vaccination date/time and location," the officials said, MSN reported. "If you previously attempted to get an appointment and you did not receive a notification with a confirmation code, date and location, you must re-register."

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout follows a year-long battle against the virus, which has led to lockdowns and economic turmoil across the United States and the wider globe. Official estimates of when enough of the population will be vaccinated vary.

McDonough's vaccine rollout is part of phase 1B, which includes those 65 years of age or older as well as frontline healthcare workers who battle the virus daily.