In search of a COVID-19 vaccine for her dad, Amber Dow was hitting one dead end after another.

The tip came from the Facebook site Chicago Vaccine Hunters, a group of more than 10,000 members who collect and share information on where to get vaccinated in real time, as new locations and time slots emerge.

“I was stunned,” said Amber Dow, 44, of the West Lakeview neighborhood.

With COVID-19 vaccine in short supply, more locals are turning to social media for help as they scour the internet for available immunizations.

Another Facebook group, Midwest Vaccine Hunters, has more than 1,700 members from across the region.

As for Chicago Vaccine Hunters, the Facebook page began earlier this month with general tips and advice, but evolved into individuals helping one another directly, in many cases even booking appointments for those who can’t do so on their own.

“Everyone’s helping each other out in different ways,” said Chicago resident Roger Naglewski, who created the site earlier this month.

Naglewski estimated these helpers — dubbed “vaccine angels” ― have hunted down more than 200 vaccine appointments for other members, mostly for seniors with limited technology or difficulty traversing the online maze of pharmacies, government agencies and health care providers.

When Amber Dow joined the Facebook site, she was expecting general information or to be steered in the right direction.

Requests for help or new tips are posted periodically on Chicago Vaccine Hunters, as members figure out a best time for fresh appointments or a new location offering doses.

Naglewski organized the site in early February, initially thinking it might attract a couple hundred members.

While the process of tracking down doses can be maddening, Naglewski believes seeing posts about others finding appointments or getting their first shot offers some encouragement to those still searching.

Many of those helped by the Facebook site lack smartphones or have spotty internet, tools critical to accessing vaccine.

“I think it’s important for people to be very careful and cautious,” Naglewski said, adding that members seeking help don’t have to give any personal information to get assistance, if they’re uncomfortable doing so.

In general, the Illinois attorney general’s office advises the public to ignore unsolicited online, phone and text offers for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Karolina Ash joined Chicago Vaccine Hunters recently, and with the site’s help, found two appointments in early March for her parents.

Soon she began hunting for appointments for other seniors, joining the “vaccine angel” team through the Facebook site.

“This group has done so much for so many, and my only payback is to try and help others in any way I can,” she posted on the site.