HEALTH NOTES Empire Plan now covers HPV vaccine for boys The Empire Plan now covers vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in boys and men up to age 21. The series of three vaccines can be started as early as age 9. This coverage is retroactive to October 25, 2011. There’s no copay for vaccinating boys up to age 18. For those ages 19-21, a $20 copay is required when using a participating provider. The Empire Plan had already begun covering the HPV vaccinations for girls and young women. The vaccine is recommended for females ages 9-26 to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend girls get the vaccine at age 11 or 12. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. At least half of sexually active people will get it at some point in their lives. — Deborah Stayman

The Communicator Letters policy We welcome letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF's diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste. Please keep them brief (up to one page, double-spaced or a maximum of 250 words), and please include your name and phone number for verification. Send letters to thecommunicator@pef.org: The Communicator Public Employees Federation P.O. Box 12414 Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414 Email to Sherry Halbrook, Editor or Darcy Wells, Editor-In Chief