These vaccines are effective against pneu‐ 1. monia as well as meningitis and sepsis. Dependence on antibiotics that are not ef‐ 2. fective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced. These vaccines have no side effects and 3. cause no allergic reactions. Select the correct answer using the code given below : Statement 1: Pneumococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) are a major cause of several serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), and sepsis (bloodstream infection), particularly in young children and the elderly. PCVs protect against infection by the most common and dangerous strains of these bacteria, thereby preventing these diseases. Correct. Statement 2: By preventing pneumococcal infections, PCVs significantly reduce the incidence of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. This, in turn, reduces the need for antibiotic treatment for these conditions. Lowering the overall use of antibiotics helps to slow down the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a growing global health crisis. Correct. Statement 3: While PCVs are generally safe and effective, no vaccine is completely free of side effects or the potential for allergic reactions. Common side effects are usually mild, such as fever, redness or swelling at the injection site, and irritability. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible with any vaccine. Therefore, the statement that these vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions is incorrect.