Disease & Vaccine A–Z

Diseases beginning with P

U.S.-focused summaries with current official guidance links. For a diagnosis, personal vaccine schedule, pregnancy advice, or urgent symptoms, speak with a qualified clinician.

Pneumococcal Disease

Routine/risk-based vaccine

Disease

Illness caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, ranging from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection.

Symptoms

Depend on the site and can include fever, cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stiff neck, confusion, or ear pain.

Typical duration

Varies from several days to weeks; invasive disease may require prolonged recovery.

How serious is it?

Invasive disease can cause sepsis, brain damage, hearing loss, hospitalization, or death.

Treatment & management

Antibiotics treat bacterial infection, though resistance can affect drug choice; severe illness needs hospital care.

Vaccine: who and when?

Products include Vaxneuvance (PCV15), Prevnar 20 (PCV20), Capvaxive (PCV21), and Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23). CDC recommends vaccination for young children, adults age 50 and older, and younger people with certain risks; product and prior doses determine the schedule.

Check the current CDC guidance for Pneumococcal Disease →

Polio

Routine vaccine

Disease

A contagious viral disease that can invade the nervous system.

Symptoms

Most have no symptoms; some develop fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, stiff neck, or limb pain. Paralysis can occur.

Typical duration

Minor illness lasts days; weakness or paralysis may be permanent, and post-polio syndrome can appear decades later.

How serious is it?

Paralytic polio can cause permanent disability or death when breathing muscles are affected.

Treatment & management

No cure; treatment is supportive and may include respiratory support and rehabilitation.

Vaccine: who and when?

Product: IPOL (inactivated poliovirus vaccine), also available in combination vaccines including Kinrix, Quadracel, Pediarix, Pentacel, and Vaxelis. U.S. children routinely receive four IPV-containing doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years; adults at increased risk may need a series or booster.

Check the current CDC guidance for Polio →

Cost and access: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price and program context.

Last reviewed against official U.S. sources: September 5, 2026. This page provides general education, not medical advice.