Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has proclaimed April 18 – 25 Nevada Infant Immunization Week, to coincide with the annual national observance of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW).

The state and national observance of NIIW highlights the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States.

We’re quite sure we don’t have to remind you, but Spring Break is right around the corner. And we’re also guessing you already have everything planned out and buttoned up: airfare, hotel, vaccinations, activities, tours...

Nope, this isn’t a game of “Which one isn’t like the others?” We meant vaccinations. So what do vaccines have to do with Spring Break? If you are traveling internationally or anywhere with large groups of people (which, during Spring Break, probably translates directly to “anywhere”), vaccinations should be the top item on your to-do list.

Sadly, we feel it’s inevitable.

Given our sheer proximity to California and Arizona, and given that these two states are at the center of concerns over the “Disneyland Outbreak” of measles, we stand prepared.

As we position ourselves to proactively communicate facts and key messages about measles, preparing for the inevitable onslaught of questions we will get from the media and concerned community members, we can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu — and a frustrating but profound sadness for the families that are impacted.