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 :
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, and is a leading killer of Indian children under five; PCV was added to the Universal Immunisation Programme in 2017 and rolled out nationwide in 2021.
• Statement 1 is correct: PCV protects against all three invasive pneumococcal diseases.
• Statement 2 is correct: preventing infection cuts antibiotic use and slows antimicrobial resistance, which is rising in pneumococci.
• Statement 3 is wrong: no vaccine is free of side effects; PCV can cause fever, injection-site pain and, rarely, allergic reactions.
• Hence 1 and 2 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 2 on reducing antibiotic dependence is also correct.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: vaccines do have side effects.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.