Q. What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India? These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis
- Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced
- These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions
(UPSC Prelims 2020)
Answer:
1 and 2 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] 1 and 2 only. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV) are a vital tool in India’s Universal Immunization Programme to reduce child mortality.
- Statement 1 – Correct: PCV protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that is a leading cause of severe pneumonia. However, the same bacteria can also enter the bloodstream or the central nervous system, leading to life-threatening conditions like meningitis (inflammation of brain membranes) and sepsis (blood poisoning).
- Statement 2 – Correct: By preventing bacterial infections in the first place, PCVs reduce the need for antibiotic treatments. This is a key strategy in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as it lowers the overall selection pressure that creates drug-resistant "superbugs."
- Statement 3 – Incorrect: No vaccine is entirely free of side effects. While PCVs are generally safe, they can cause common reactions such as redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, as well as fever and irritability. In rare cases, like any biological product, they can cause allergic reactions.
India introduced the indigenous PCV (Pneumosil) to replace expensive imported versions, significantly expanding coverage across states to combat the high burden of respiratory diseases in children under five.