UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2020

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.

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 2 only

Explanation

PCV protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, and by reducing infections it lowers antibiotic use and so helps against antimicrobial resistance. No vaccine is entirely free of side effects or allergic reactions, so statement 3 is wrong.

Topics: biotechnology & health, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (pcv), science & technology, vaccines & diseases