At PYAM we wholeheartedly endorse the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendation that all children ages 6- months to 21 years receive a influenza vaccine each year.

Despite not being able to prevent all influenza disease, the flu shot does provide protection from severe disease. It is especially important for our high risk patients to remember to get immunized each year

In case you’re wondering, the Flumist will not be offered again this year. It was not approved for use.

To schedule your flu shot only appointment simply call our central appointment line at 651-256-6714.

After a mild flu season it is easy to forget how very nasty the flu can be. One of the many reasons why the flu is so difficult to manage from a community health stand point is its unpredictability. No one can say that any given year will produce a virulent strain that sickens and hospitalizes hundreds, or whether it will be a mild flu season.

Our suggestion is to be proactive and get immunized this fall when clinics are available, or during well visits. When you and your children are vaccinated, it doesn’t matter what kind of season it turns out to be. Last year, doctors across the country reported that the vaccinated kids who did get the flu (no vaccine is 100%), had a much milder case. Either way, you win if you get vaccinated.  We have flu shots available now.  For flu shot clinic times and locations check our website or facebook page.

Unfortunately, On June 22, 2016, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that Flu Mist not be used in the 2016-17 influenza season due to poor effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are supporting this recommendation.  PYAM will also be supporting this recommendation given by the ACIP, CDC, and AAP and will not have Flu Mist available this year.

We are delighted to announce that PYAM St. Paul location is moving to a new building about 3 miles from our current loacation!  We are very excited and looking forward to the move.  

Watch for more information about the move to our new location here, on our website, and Facebook in the upcoming weeks.

After 40 years of practice at Pediatric and Young Adult Medicine I have made the difficult decision that it is time to retire. My last day in practice will be June 30, 2015.

I have been blessed to be able to be a pediatrician and it has been very rewarding to be able to care for your children. I have been able to see them as newborns, counseled you in normal newborn care and well child care. I have been able to watch them as they grew up, shared in their successes and in their difficulties and taken care of them when they were ill. I have shared my experiences in raising my children in teaching you how to care for your children. You and your children have been an extended family to me.

The decision to retire is the most difficult one I have ever made. I cannot tell you how much I am going to miss seeing you and your children. I will miss seeing them grow up. I am honored that you trusted me with their care and it has been a privilege to serve you.

We have nine pediatricians and one nurse practitioner at Pediatric and Young Adult Medicine and in June will be adding a second nurse practitioner. They have been great partners and will provide outstanding medical care for your children.

Again, thank you for allowing me to care for your children over the past 40 years.

Sincerely,

John Balfanz, MD, FAAP (Dr. B)