UPSC Prelims 2020 Q45: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
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) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV)
These vaccines protect against the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis | Correct | The same bacterium causes pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis (blood infection) |
| 2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced | Correct | Fewer infections mean less antibiotic use, which also slows drug resistance |
| 3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions | Incorrect | Like every vaccine, it can cause mild fever or soreness, and rarely an allergic reaction |
PCV in India:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Programme | Part of the Universal Immunization Programme; introduced in phases from 2017 |
| Who gets it | Infants, in three doses |
| Indian vaccine | Pneumosil by the Serum Institute of India |
| Why it matters | Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children under five |
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true; the vaccine lowers the need for antibiotics.
- (b) CORRECT. It works against pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis and reduces dependence on antibiotics.
- (c) Incorrect. No vaccine is free of side effects and allergic reactions.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; mild side effects do occur.
Key point
PCV: against Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis); in the Universal Immunization Programme since 2017; cuts antibiotic use and resistance.
Remember
PCV: pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis; fewer antibiotics needed.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the vaccine prevents only pneumonia because of its name.
- Accepting an absolute claim such as 'no side effects'.
- Missing the link between vaccination and lower antibiotic resistance.
Exam tip
No medicine or vaccine has 'no side effects'. Strike out such a statement at once.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — Universal Immunization Programme: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
- World Health Organization — Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: position paper