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.

Scientists find proof of brain activity measurably boosting vaccine response

The study suggests that activating the brain’s reward system before vaccination can enhance antibody production.

JANUARY 22, 2026|ByPESACH BENSON/TPS

Tel Aviv University, 15 March, 2021.

Cases of the measles rise in Israel.

Eleven-month-old baby becomes 13th victim of Israel's measles outbreak

The Health Ministry reiterated that children should receive two MMR doses, at age one and again at age six. In outbreak zones, the second dose has been moved to 18 months.

JANUARY 9, 2026|ByDR. ITAY GAL

Flu shot

Israel reports first bird flu outbreak in a year after disease detected in ducks in North

The outbreak, the first in a year in Israel, was detected in a flock of 2,000 ducks in the village of Sde Yaakov, causing the death of 90 birds, the Paris-based WOAH said.

JANUARY 6, 2026|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

IDF soldiers demolish the home of terrorist Jamil Samara in Burkin, October 22, 2025.

Health index 2025: 39% of IDF soldiers report urgent need for mental health care

Among IDF soldiers, the picture is even more severe, with 39% reporting a need for mental health support, 26% expressing concern about depression, and 48% reporting sleep disturbances.

DECEMBER 31, 2025|ByDR. ITAY GAL

Tune into today's top stories: Polar bears take arctic base, Trump's Gaza peace push - September 29

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS

A polar bear looks on at the abandoned Soviet-era research station on Kolyuchin Island in the Chukchi Sea, in Russia's far northeast, September 14, 2025, in this still image taken from a drone video.

Measles outbreak in Israel kills three children in past week alone

Six children in total have died since the outbreak began, with the Health Ministry pushing a vaccination campaign to contain the disease.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025ByDR. ITAY GAL

Cases of the measles rise in Israel.

US health secretary Kennedy considers adding autism symptoms to vaccine injury program - report

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program shields vaccine manufacturers from most lawsuits and provides a fund to compensate individuals who experience serious reactions to covered vaccines.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025ByREUTERS

US HEALTH and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Historic step: A new mandatory vaccine for your babies – how safe is it?

The RSV virus causes many hospitalizations among infants in the winter. Now, for the first time in Israel, a new vaccine has been added to the health basket.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025ByPROF. MALENA COHEN-CYMBERKNOH

The RSV virus causes many hospitalizations among infants in the winter

Polio virus detected in Jerusalem, central Israel wastewater, Health Ministry confirms

The polio virus was detected in wastewater samples from Bnei Brak, Ramle, Lod, and the Shafdan treatment facility, following earlier findings in the Jerusalem area.

AUGUST 7, 2025ByTPS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Polio virus ilustration.

Grapevine: Miss Jerusalem of vision

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

AUGUST 2, 2025ByGREER FAY CASHMAN

Melanie Shiraz is crowned at Miss Universe Israel 2025.

Israeli researchers develop world-first mRNA vaccine against deadly bacteria

TAU’s vice president for research and development said that they worked on the project for two-and-a-half years and were very satisfied with their discoveries.

JULY 20, 2025ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

The researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the Israel Institute for Biological Research in the city of Nes Ziona.

Israeli researchers develop world's first mRNA-based vaccine against bacterium

The team from Tel Aviv University developed a vaccine to combat the bacterium that causes the black plague, using the same system as with the COVID-19 vaccines.

JULY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

The research team (Left to right) Prof. Dan Peer, Dr. Inbal Hazan-Halevy & Shani Benarroch.

Health Ministry launches digital vaccination record

After years of delays, Israel’s Health Ministry launched a service for viewing and downloading personal digital vaccination records, which includes all vaccines given.

JULY 13, 2025ByDR. ITAY GAL

Test results are often difficult to understand in Hebrew.

Trump's attorney general drops fraud case tied to COVID vaccinations

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who for decades has sown doubt about the safety of vaccines contrary to evidence and research by scientists.

JULY 12, 2025ByREUTERS

US Attorney-General Pam Bondi arrives to speak during the visit of US President Donald Trump to the Department of Justice to address its workers, in Washington, March 14, 2025.