What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India?

1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.
2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.
3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protect against pneumococcal infections. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Most people who get a pneumococcal vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible. Hence statement 3 is not correct.