Vaccine

A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides immunity to a specific disease. It usually contains a weakened or inactive form of the disease which then stimulates the body's immune system to recognize it as a threat and destroy it, giving it the means to destroy any further versions of it that it may encounter in the future.

Vaccines have been proven to be the most effective method of preventing and eradicating infectious diseases. The complete eradication of smallpox and significant reduction of polio, measles, and tetanus have proven as such.

Vaccines lead to a phenomenon known as "herd immunity" in which diseases cannot spread with ease as the majority of a population are vaccinated. However, herd immunity can only work if a certain percentage of the population is vaccinated.

Most vaccines are delivered via injection, although notable exceptions include the polio vaccine which is often delivered orally. This method was found to have certain advantages as it allowed for administration by staff without formal training, and reduced the risk of blood contamination.

Promising hantavirus vaccine research stalled by funding gap before outbreak

Promising early results have been put on the back burner despite renewed global concern following a deadly cruise ship outbreak.

MAY 20, 2026|ByASHER SMITH

Medics work outside of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was affected by a hantavirus outbreak, after it arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, where Dutch authorities are preparing quarantine arrangements, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, May 18, 2026.

"The risk increases with age because the immune system weakens, but young people can also fall ill, especially in states of immunosuppression, whether as a result of diseases or medications"

Shingles: No longer just a disease of the elderly

If until a few years ago we tended to think that shingles was a disease of the elderly, cases like those of Adi Himmelbloy and Bar Zomer clarify that everyone is at risk, at any age.

MAY 14, 2026|ByDORON KUPERSTEIN

For many parents, the issue of vaccinations has become one of the most complex decisions

Expert explains: Is it better to get sick and develop natural immunity or to get vaccinated?

A decline in vaccination uptake alongside the return of dangerous diseases highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the scientific data and the real risks facing children and parents.

MAY 12, 2026|ByHELI NAVE

Vaccine

These are the vaccines every adult should get

From annual flu vaccines to those recommended for at-risk populations – this is the list of vaccines all adults should consider to maintain their health.

APRIL 23, 2026|ByMAARIV ONLINE

Israeli teen diagnosed with polio, Health Ministry investigates

“The primary way to protect children from paralysis is through the inactivated polio vaccine,” the Health Ministry stated.

DECEMBER 25, 2024ByAVIHAI CHIIM

A coronavirus vaccine dose is seen being administered at a Meuhedet vaccination center in Jerusalem, on February 16, 2021.

Learning to count our blessings despite war, COVID, hurricanes, and more - opinion

Israel and the world both seem to be in a terrible mess at the moment. Wars, famine, droughts, hurricanes, massacres. Count our blessings? What blessings?

DECEMBER 18, 2024BySHLOMO MAITAL

Olim from North America arrive on a special " Aliyah flight" to the Ben Gurion airport

Trump repeats warning to Hamas to release hostages soon or face consequences

Trump said he would discuss ways to bring an end to the Ukraine war with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

DECEMBER 16, 2024ByREUTERS

(Illustrative) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and president-elect Donald Trump over a backdrop of hostage posters.

A new Israeli clinical trial is testing a tuberculosis vaccine to prevent Alzheimer's - opinion

If – God forbid – I show the biomarkers associated with the probable development of Alzheimer’s, I will receive three doses of the vaccine, which has minimal side effects.

NOVEMBER 18, 2024ByBARBARA SOFER

REAL BRAIN exhibit at Bristol Science Centre, UK.

This week in Jewish history: Blood libels are not new

A highly abridged weekly version of the daily Dust & Stars.

OCTOBER 27, 2024BySTEVEN DRUCKER

The Simon of Trent blood libel: Illustration in Hartmann Schedel’s Weltchronik, 1493

Israel stops vaccinating against oral polio, for fear of resistant strains developing

The decision to stop the oral vaccine is in accordance with World Health Organization policy.

OCTOBER 4, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

Oral polio vaccine.

Polio vaccination starts in north Gaza despite obstacles

The campaign in north Gaza aims to conclude a first vaccination round, with a second set to commence after a month.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024ByREUTERS

Trucks containing vials of polio vaccine cross into the Gaza Strip. August 25, 2024.

Vaccine pauses are not a political matter amid Gaza’s polio outbreak - opinion

Vaccine pauses in Gaza’s polio crisis aren’t political—they're vital for public health.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024ByORA PALTIEL, NADAV DAVIDOVITCH, RONIT CALDERON MARGALIT

A PALESTINIAN CHILD is vaccinated against polio, amid the Israel-Hamas war, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip last week.

What does Jewish law say about medical experimentation? - explainer

Generally, Halacha permits only medical interventions whose efficacy has been proven. Yet even with tested treatments, one cannot be sure that the intervention will succeed.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024BySHLOMO M. BRODY

A woman is seen preparing a dose of the COVID vaccine.

Gaza polio vaccine campaign begins, Netanyahu's office says no ceasefire will occur

The PMO stressed that Israel is committed to preventing an outbreak of the disease in the Gaza strip, as well as in the entire region.

AUGUST 31, 2024ByMAARIV

A Palestinian child is vaccinated against polio, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, August 31, 2024.