With reference to recent developments regarding 'Recombinant Vector Vaccines', consider the following statements : 1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines. 2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Statement 1 is correct. Recombinant Vector Vaccines involve modifying a harmless virus or bacterium (the vector) to carry genetic material (like DNA or mRNA) that codes for an antigen (e.g., a spike protein) from the target pathogen. This process inherently uses techniques of genetic engineering to insert the desired genetic sequence into the vector. 2. Statement 2 is correct. The vectors used in these vaccines are typically harmless or weakened viruses (like adenoviruses, as used in some COVID-19 vaccines) or, less commonly, bacteria. These vectors act as delivery vehicles to introduce the genetic instructions for the antigen into the host cells, triggering an immune response. Therefore, both statements are correct.