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.

FDA approves world's first mRNA-based flu vaccine, signaling start of a new illness-prevention era

The vaccine, intended for people 50 and older, is based on mRNA technology and was found in an advanced trial to be more effective than a standard flu shot.

JUNE 22, 2026|ByDR. ITAY GAL

Flu shot

Jackals

What to do after a jackal bite and when is there a concern about rabies?

After 11 people were bitten and scratched in the Sea of Galilee area, the fear of rabies returns to the forefront. This is what must be done immediately after contact with a suspected animal.

JUNE 16, 2026|ByDR. ITAY GAL

An emergency room for babies has opened at the Safra Children's Hospital at Sheba

Health experts urge vaccination after two children die from meningococcemia

Meningococcus is a relatively rare but especially aggressive disease. The risk for the disease is especially high in infants, toddlers, adolescents, and young adults living in crowded conditions.

JUNE 13, 2026|ByDR. ITAY GAL

Red Cross workers prepare to lower the coffin of Dr Tibenderana Katho Blaise who worked at the Centre Medical Evangelique (CME) in Hoho commune and died of Ebola virus, at the Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia town, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 26, 2026.

Scientists race to develop Ebola vaccine amid DRC outbreak

Researchers aim to stop the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in northeastern DRC by fast-tracking a vaccine using a proven viral-vector platform.

JUNE 4, 2026|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

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.

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.