Power has many forms. But perhaps the most personal form of power is knowledge. Knowledge to make choices, knowledge about where to find accurate information, and knowledge about reliable places to go to make decisions about the health and well-being of yourself, your family and those you care about. AARP New Hampshire has long been a trusted source of reliable information and now, more than ever, we continue that tradition to ensure we use our voice to share good information to help Granite Staters move through (and beyond) this pandemic as we have done since it first hit New Hampshire in early 2020.

One of the best places to get information about the vaccine New Hampshire’s official website: www.vaccines.nh.gov. The site has excellent information about the vaccines themselves. You can also simply make a call to 2-1-1. That number is available 24/7, but COVID-19 specific operators are available every day 8 am to 8 p.m. If you want facts (as we all should), these are great places to start.

We all just want to know the facts about the vaccine such as is it free and where and when can I get it? It is your choice to be vaccinated for coronavirus. You can depend upon AARP for the reliable information you need to learn about its safety, availability, and effectiveness so you can decide what’s best for you and your family. We have nationwide vaccination information at www.aarp.org/vaccine and local information at www.aarp.org/nhvaccine.

AARP can help you stay informed about all aspects of the coronavirus vaccine. Our dedicated team of reporters update our website (www.aarp.org/coronavirus) in real-time. They have been among the first to report when the vaccine will be available for you and where to get it. AARP New Hampshire staff and volunteers have also hosted tele-town halls for our members featuring guests such as Gov. Chris Sununu, NH Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette and our state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan, who are most knowledgeable about the pandemic and the vaccines as they relate to all Granite Staters. Additionally we have shared valuable information to Granite Staters via email, direct mail, social media, personal contact and blogs. We have always believed in the power of good information and we continually demonstrated that belief from the pandemic’s earliest days to the present day.

But we didn’t stop there.

AARP fought to ensure the coronavirus vaccine is free for all Americans. We’re urging state and local governments to be transparent about their vaccine distribution plans and to keep the public informed. And, they’ve listened. We believe Americans deserve to be fully informed about the vaccine – and that it should be free for anyone who wants it.

Americans 50-plus face higher risks from the coronavirus, especially the Hispanic community. As the rollout continues, AARP will continue fighting to ensure that the vaccine is free and accessible to anyone who wants it, regardless of age, income, race, and ethnicity. Knowledge is power. With vaccines now widely available in New Hampshire to nearly anyone who wants one, it’s only a question of knowledge and choice. Believing that knowledge is power, we here at AARP New Hampshire are committed to sharing good information so you can decide how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy starting with good information and the knowledge that comes from having both.

Todd Fahey is the AARP New Hampshire state director. He may be reached at tfahey@aarp.org.