As another school year gets under way, all of us who are parenting again breathe a sigh of relief. We are hoping for a few minutes of time for ourselves before childhood demands take over again. We've shopped for school clothes and supplies until we're ready to drop. We've taken the kids to the doctor and the dentist to get checkups and the necessary immunizations.

Before we get too comfortable, we need to take a look at some of our own health needs. Many of us are so busy taking care of our grandchildren that we tend to neglect the important area of preventive medicine. But it's a mistake to let the matter slide. You made it through childhood, but you don't want to risk getting diseases for which you can easily find protection. Here are the recommended shots for adults:

The shingles vaccine. The vaccine for herpes zoster has been on the market since 2006. It is intended for adults 60 and up who have had chicken pox, which can reactivate later in life as shingles, with its hallmark painful rash. For many, shingles also has a nasty after-effect: severe neuropathy, excruciating nerve pain that can last for months or even longer. That's the case with a good friend of mine who is still experiencing this pain nearly two years after the onset of shingles. She can't stress enough the importance of getting the shingles vaccine—which she did not know about until after contracting the disease.

Pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine guards against 23 of the most common strains of bacterial pneumonia, which is responsible for 40,000 deaths each year in the United States. It also protects against some bacterial infections of the blood. Most people only need this preventive shot once in their lifetime. Talk with your doctor.

Tetanus booster. A tetanus shot prevents muscle paralysis that once was called "lockjaw," which can lead to death. Booster shots are needed every 10 years. Don't wait for the threat of infection from an open puncture wound. In 2005, a combination booster called Tdap was introduced. It contains low concentrations of diphtheria and whooping cough vaccines, along with tetanus. Giving the vaccine to adults and adolescents provides a double benefit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because adults who care for or live with young children are the biggest source of infections for kids.

Flu shot. This is the best-known vaccine and also the most popular among adults. Each year's formula is different, as the virus that causes influenza keeps changing, making itself a moving target. The scientists developing the vaccine have to anticipate which strains they'll likely be up against in any given year. So it's particularly important, especially for older adults, to get a flu shot each year. This will give you maximum protection against influenza, the severe respiratory illness that can be deadly during the winter months.

Vaccinations are one of the simplest and least costly ways to stay well as we care for our grandchildren. The Johnson County Health Department has immunization clinics for both children and adults at its Olathe and Mission locations. Call 913-894-2525 in Olathe or 913-826-1200 in Mission, or visit http://health.jocogov.org.

So please make yourself a priority. Join me in keeping your shots up-to-date, because even grown-ups need protection!