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:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCVs) provide active immunization against *Streptococcus pneumoniae* serotypes responsible for severe invasive pneumococcal diseases, including bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and febrile bacteremia/sepsis in infants and young children.
Statement 2 is correct: Widespread administration of PCVs curtails the incidence of invasive infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal strains, directly lowering reliance on third-generation antibiotics and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Statement 3 is incorrect: Like all biological vaccines, PCVs can cause mild adverse reactions (such as local site erythema, tenderness, mild fever, or irritability) and, in rare instances, severe hypersensitivity or anaphylactic allergic responses in sensitized individuals.
Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct — Option B.