HHS Launches Vaccination Call Center

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) to connect callers to information about how to access the COVID-19 vaccine and related supports for people with disabilities. DIAL operators can answer questions about vaccination, directly connect callers to vaccine sites, provide help with making vaccination appointments, and make referrals to accessible transportation and other local and national disability resources to help overcome barriers to vaccination. In addition, DIAL can connect callers to information and services that promote independent living and address fundamental needs, such as food, housing, and transportation. Learn more about DIAL at acl.gov/dial. The hotline is available from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET at 888-677-1199 or DIAL@n4a.org.

Separately, HHS announced a payment increase for providers to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in people’s homes. This is part of an effort to bring the vaccine to the 1.6 million older adults that HHS has identified as having difficulty leaving home.