Seasonal influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among elderly populations, posing substantial challenges to healthcare systems globally. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive strategy to reduce influenza-related complications. This retrospective cohort study examined the impact of annual influenza vaccination campaigns on hospital admissions, morbidity, and mortality among individuals aged 65 years and older. Data from 5,000 participants over five influenza seasons were collected from hospital records and national immunization databases. Vaccinated individuals demonstrated a 40% lower risk of influenza-related hospitalization (relative risk [RR] = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.52–0.70) and a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to unvaccinated peers. Subgroup analyses revealed greater benefits among individuals with chronic comorbidities such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cost-benefit analyses indicated that vaccination campaigns significantly reduced healthcare expenditures by preventing hospitalizations and complications. These findings reinforce the importance of targeted, annual vaccination campaigns as an essential, cost-effective public health strategy to protect elderly populations, improve quality of life, and alleviate the healthcare burden during influenza seasons.

Keywords:
Influenza, vaccination, elderly, morbidity, mortality, public health, preventive medicine