Table 8.

Beliefs regarding influenza and the influenza vaccine by risk group and alignment with the best evidence

Risk group	Beliefs aligned with scientific knowlege	Questionable beliefs
Older adults	• Influenza is a serious disease • vaccination can have undesirable effects • The disease can be transmitted where there is an influx of patients, especially in overcrowded conditions • The infection begins in the respiratory system • The transmission route is aerial	• Influenza can be prevented by eating fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, vitamin C, sheltering, avoiding getting cold and not drinking ice water
Adults with risk factors	• Vaccination is the right method to prevent influenza • The vaccine is partially effective • Influenza can bet prevented curtailing the spread of the virus • The vaccine has unwanted effects • The vaccine may not be effective if out of date • Side effects depend on each person • Symptoms of the disease are well recognized	• If you get vaccinated you can get influenza • The vaccine produces adverse reactions when there is a previous respiratory illness • No vaccine is reliable • Healthy habits prevent influenza • The vaccine produces dermal allergic reactions
Pregnant women	• The vaccine is an effective method to prevent influenza • Vaccines are safe and effective • Adverse events may occur after administration of the vaccine • Serious adverse events are rare • Each body receives the vaccine differently
Mothers of children under 6 years old	• The vaccine is useful to prevent disease • Adverse reactions depend on each person’s body	• The vaccine is a complementary measure to the consumption of a healthy diet • It is not necessary to receive vaccination if you have adequate hygienic and dietary measures