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

At least 62 Israelis infected with measles amid outbreak, Health Ministry says

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, transmitted through the air via tiny droplets from bodily fluids, such as during sneezing or coughing.

MAY 29, 2025ByDR. ITAY GAL, REUTERS

Cases of the measles rise in Israel.

Indonesia teams up with Bill Gates for pivotal TB vaccine trials

Subianto emphasized tuberculosis causes approximately 100,000 deaths annually, making its prevention a government priority.

MAY 9, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Indonesia teams up with Bill Gates for pivotal TB vaccine trials.

Surprising find: Same-arm vaccine shots enhance immunity

Antibodies from same-arm vaccinations showed increased effectiveness against variants.

APRIL 30, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Surprising find: Same-arm vaccine shots enhance immunity.

In a world first, Brazil approves chikungunya vaccine

The country is considered the epicenter of the disease in the Americas, with epidemics reported over the years.

APRIL 26, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

In a world first, Brazil approves chikungunya vaccine.

Shingles vaccine linked to 20 percent lower dementia risk in older adults

Researchers exploit a natural experiment in Wales to isolate the vaccine’s protective effect against dementia.

APRIL 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shingles vaccine linked to 20 percent lower dementia risk in older adults.

Technion close to develop oral consumption of medications to tackle COVID, flu, instead of vaccines

Imagine if antibodies, hormones for fertility, proteins like insulin, and vaccines could be swallowed instead of taken by injection.

MARCH 16, 2025ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

PROF. ASSAF ZINGER’S team at work.

US CDC plans study into vaccines and autism, sources say

It is unclear whether US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who has long promoted anti-vaccine views, is involved in the planned CDC study or how it would be carried out.

MARCH 7, 2025ByREUTERS

Polio vaccine by injection.

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.