CDC fact: at least 50% of sexually active men and women will acquire human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point. Most people don’t realize they have it (conversely, most people don’t know they don’t have it until blood donation centers keep trying to, like, make out with them for being HVP-free), so young adults are encouraged to get vaccinated against this STD. A healthy immune system can get rid of HPV in about two years, and those affected by HPV’s genital warts may see them disappear on their own, but the the virus’ worst potential complication, cancer, doesn’t just vanish. A recent Phoenix article on living with HPV recounts the terrors of a potential cancer diagnosis from this often invisible and harmless STD.

To spare others this pain, free preventative HPV vaccinations (also, seasonal flu vaccinations) are being offered today in Providence to women aged 16-26. Under-18’s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and although health insurance isn’t required to get either shot, women 18+ are asked to bring their health insurance information if they are insured. But this event, including the flu shots, is only for women.

Saturday, 10am to 2pm, 132A George M. Cohan Boulevard more »