Nearly a third of Americans worry about missing a holiday event due to illness

According to a recent survey from Walgreens, 47% of Americans have missed a holiday event in recent years due to unexpected illness and nearly one in three are worried about it happening again this year.

This "fear of missing out" and the anxiety it brings, tied to the holiday season, is no surprise. Walgreens survey findings indicate Americans are shifting their mindset towards proactive measures to stay well, thus minimizing the risk of missing out on fun holiday festivities and family traditions.

This year, Walgreens holiday campaign focuses on staying healthy through the holidays, offering promos and deals on health and wellbeing essentials.

[Related: Walgreens launches annual flu index]

“Eighty-two percent of survey respondents shared that prioritizing their health and well-being is a key focus,” said Heather Hughes, group vice president and general merchandise manager, health and beauty at Walgreens. “Nearly 40% plan to take preventative measures, like getting vaccinated.”

To stay on track with their wellness goals, Walgreens offers appointments and walk-ins for flu, COVID-19, RSV1, pneumonia (pneumococcal) and other routine vaccinations nationwide.

Walgreens survey findings also uncovered that this mindset shift towards preventative measures to stay holiday healthy is even higher among younger Americans.

In fact, 75% of Gen Z and about 70% of millennial respondents stated that they are more likely to make major changes this holiday season to avoid missing out; however, Gen Z and millennial respondents find it harder to find affordable health and wellness products compared to older Americans.

[Read more: Retailers roll out flu shots]

“This growing momentum to prioritize health ahead of the holiday season is inspiring and encouraging,” Hughes said. “As schedules get busier, we’re dedicated to supporting our customers with convenient, affordable access to health and well-being products and services that fit seamlessly into their lives.”

Walgreens offers more than a thousand over-the-counter owned brand products, many of which are included in promotions throughout the holiday season.

For customers seeking health essentials or holiday needs, Walgreens will be open on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1). Customers can check the store locator for their local Walgreens hours, which may vary.