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 conjugate vaccine combines a weak antigen with a strong antigen (carrier) to elicit a stronger immune response.

A Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) prevents pneumococcal diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). These infections range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

PCVs can also prevent septicaemia (sepsis) and meningitis. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Vaccines contribute to reducing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by preventing bacterial diseases and their transmission, thereby reducing antibiotic use. PCVs can potentially reduce dependence on antibiotics by nearly 50% per year. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines can have side effects like fever, loss of appetite, and headache. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.