Question 54 from UPSC CSE 2020 - S&T

Question

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:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1 and 2 only

Strategy: - **Identify absolute claims:** Statement 3, claiming 'no side effects,' is an absolute that is generally incorrect for any vaccine.
- **Verify factual accuracy:** Statement 1 correctly identifies diseases--pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis--all targeted by PCV.
- **Assess logical alignment:** Statement 2 aligns with the principle that vaccination prevents disease, thereby reducing antibiotic use and combating resistance.
- **Conclude:** Eliminating the incorrect Statement 3 helps in selecting the correct option.

Key Info: ## Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Overview

PCV is a crucial immunization tool targeting infections caused by *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, a bacterium responsible for serious illnesses including:
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Septicaemia (sepsis)
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)

PCVs are particularly vital for children under five and the elderly, as these groups are most susceptible to invasive pneumococcal diseases.

### How PCV Works

The vaccine functions by conjugating polysaccharide antigens from the pneumococcus bacterium to a protein carrier. This method improves the immune response in young children, whose immune systems might not respond effectively to plain polysaccharide vaccines. Common PCV types, such as PCV10 and PCV13, cover various serotypes of *S. pneumoniae* prevalent globally and in regions like India.

### Impact on Antibiotic Resistance

Vaccination with PCV helps reduce bacterial infection incidence, which in turn curbs antibiotic use and limits the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains. Controlled studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in antibiotic prescriptions within populations that have introduced PCV.

### Potential Side Effects

While highly effective, all vaccines, including PCV, can cause side effects. These are typically mild and short-term:
- Fever
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability

Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. It's important to note that no vaccine is entirely free from potential side effects.

### Recommendations

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and India's Universal Immunization Programme recommend PCV for all children. It is being progressively implemented nationwide in India to combat the significant burden of child pneumonia and associated mortality.

Answer

Option A: 1 only

Answer

Option C: 3 only

Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3