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. Statement 1 is correct. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCV) target *Streptococcus pneumoniae* bacteria, a leading cause of invasive diseases. These vaccines provide protection not only against pneumonia but also against other serious infections caused by the same bacteria, such as bacterial meningitis and sepsis. 2. Statement 2 is correct. Widespread use of PCV reduces the incidence of pneumococcal diseases, thereby decreasing the need for antibiotics to treat these infections. This reduction in antibiotic use helps mitigate the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, reducing the dependence on antibiotics that may be ineffective against drug-resistant bacteria. 3. Statement 3 is incorrect. Like all vaccines, PCVs can have side effects, although they are generally mild (e.g., soreness at the injection site, mild fever). Serious side effects and severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. It is inaccurate to state they have *no* side effects and cause *no* allergic reactions. 4. Therefore, the importance lies in their effectiveness against multiple diseases (1) and their role in reducing antibiotic dependence (2).