DOVER — Leading health advocates are encouraging Delawareans to take precautions and get vaccinated to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses as the winter months approach.

The First State Health Leaders Alliance is a group of health care stakeholders who have joined forces to strengthen healthcare in Delaware.

The advocates represent nurses, physicians, public health and medicine, people with disabilities and caregivers, home care, health care facilities, and hospitals.

“To prevent the spread of illness, we cannot stress enough the importance of getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and if applicable, RSV,” the advocates said, in a press release. “We also recommend preventative measures like frequent handwashing and staying home when sick.

“When all Delawareans have access to preventative care, including vaccines, our communities are stronger and healthier.”

The First State Health Leaders Alliance will share resources collectively through the winter season with a #healthyholidaysDE campaign and has created a webpage with resources on vaccination and precautionary measures: deha.org/advocacy/healthyholidays

This awareness is in coordination with state efforts to support public health measures.

Under Gov. Matt Meyer’s leadership, Delaware is a member of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a coalition of regional public health agencies and leaders, as well as the Governors Public Health Alliance.

This collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based public health guidance, disease surveillance and supporting public health efforts.

Individuals can follow the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services for local respiratory illness statistics as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for updated respiratory illness activity in the U.S.

“Vaccines, including vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV save lives,” DHSS Secretary Christen Linke Young said, in the release. “As we enter the winter months, we encourage Delawareans to consult their health care providers about recommended vaccinations to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness.”

The First State Health Leaders Alliance aims to keep Delawareans healthy through this holiday season.

“We are proud that Delaware officials are showing steady leadership by providing guidance on proven public health measures,” the Health Leaders Alliance said. “As we approach the holiday season and winter months where there is less time outside and more gatherings, we are coming together to highlight the importance of vaccination and prevention measures that keep ourselves, our loved ones, and community members healthy.”