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

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.

Hostages without vaccinations at risk due to infections in Gaza Strip

Recent reports from the WHO and UNICEF reveal that poor hygiene conditions have led to outbreaks of additional infectious diseases beyond polio in the Gaza Strip.

AUGUST 30, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

Inside view of a tunnel infrastructure, including a makeshift kitchen and a cage, in Gaza

Gaza virus outbreak: Understanding the threat of Type 2 Polio

A recent detection of type 2 polio in a Gaza infant marks the first case in 25 years, sparking concern over a potential outbreak.

AUGUST 26, 2024BySIMCHA PASKO/THE MEDIA LINE

A Palestinian boy receives polio vaccine at a hospital in Khan Younis in the southern of Gaza Strip February 23, 2014.

This week in Jewish history: Polio vaccine, Hebron massacre, Zionists

A highly abridged version of the daily Dust & Stars.

AUGUST 25, 2024BySTEVEN DRUCKER

Synagogue desecrated in Hebron