UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 5 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

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:

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

Answer: B. 1 and 2 only

Verdict

Correct statements: 1 and 2 → Option (b).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: A Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) is a pneumococcal vaccine which gives prevention against pneumococcal diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal infections range from ear/sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections, and can prevent septicaemia and meningitis. Hence statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: While vaccines are not intended to replace antibiotics, they can contribute to reduce AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) by preventing resistant bacterial diseases and reducing antibiotic use and misuse. PCVs for pneumococcus can potentially reduce the dependence on antibiotics by nearly 50 percent per year. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines can have side effects ranging from fever, loss of appetite to headache and fussiness. Hence statement 3 is not correct.

More questions on Health

All 14 questions on Health →

← Full 2020 question paper · All Science and Technology questions