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:
Answer:
(b)
CA
Pneumococcus is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis in children. The vaccine will protect children against severe forms of pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. The vaccine also prevents antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal infections caused by vaccine serotypes. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. However, anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a dose of this vaccine, to an earlier pneumococcal vaccine should not get it. Anyone with a severe allergy to any component of it should not get the vaccine. With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is (b).